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2014-06-13: Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1 (PP-PIM) — Planalto Indústria Mecânica — Aruanã, Brazil

Aruanã, BrazilLanding (descent or approach)

On June 13, 2014, a Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1 (registration PP-PIM) operated by Planalto Indústria Mecânica was involved in an aviation accident near Aruanã, Brazil during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The copilot was not certified in the C525 type aircraft; the aircraft was above the maximum landing weight limit; a NOTAM prohibited jet aircraft operation at SWNH; the pilot incorrectly activated the auxiliary gear control handle thinking it was the… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781193557Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 525 overran runway 24 at Aruanã Airport after landing, colliding with fences. All seven occupants were injured, the captain seriously, and the aircraft was destroyed. Investigation identified multiple contributing factors including pilot error and training deficiencies.

Accident Overview

On a flight from Goiânia to Aruanã, a Cessna 525 aircraft with two pilots and five passengers aboard made an uneventful landing on runway 24, which is 1,280 meters long. The aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining distance and overran the runway. After contacting soft ground, the nose gear collapsed. The aircraft then collided with a concrete fence and came to a halt 150 meters further against a second fence. All seven occupants sustained injuries, with the captain being seriously injured. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Sequence of Events

The flight was intended to transport the occupants to a funeral for former football player Fernandão, who had died in a helicopter crash. The crew completed the landing on runway 24 without prior incident. Upon touchdown, braking proved insufficient to stop within the runway length. The aircraft exited the runway, and the nose gear failed as it traversed soft terrain. Impacts with concrete fences caused further damage before the aircraft stopped.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation identified several findings:

  • The copilot was not certified in the C525 type aircraft.
  • The aircraft was above its maximum landing weight limit, though within balance limits.
  • On the day of the accident, a NOTAM was in force prohibiting jet aircraft operations at SWNH (Aruanã Airport).
  • The pilot incorrectly operated the handle of the auxiliary gear control, believing it was the emergency brake, which prevented effective braking.
  • This error was attributed to insufficient training on the emergency brake system, which was not emphasized in the pilot's instruction for the C525.
  • The emergency brake actuator handle was located outside the pilot's field of view, and combined with unfamiliarity, led to activation of the wrong lever.
  • Despite extensive overall aviation experience, the pilot had limited experience in the C525 and lacked knowledge of basic emergency procedures, including the use of the emergency brake and engine shutdown steps.

Probable cause

The copilot was not certified in the C525 type aircraft; the aircraft was above the maximum landing weight limit; a NOTAM prohibited jet aircraft operation at SWNH; the pilot incorrectly activated the auxiliary gear control handle thinking it was the emergency brake; insufficient training for the emergency brake system; the emergency brake handle was outside the pilot's sight field; the pilot's instruction did not emphasize emergency brake use; the pilot had little experience in the aircraft.

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