What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-04-28 involved an Embraer, at Aeropuerto, EC.

Embraer ERJ-190 Runway Excursion at Cuenca Airport

On April 28, 2016, an Embraer was involved in an aviation accident near Aeropuerto, EC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The primary cause of the accident was the landing on a contaminated, slippery runway following an unstabilized approach with a tailwind, compounded by the failure to utilize the manufacturer's recommended maximum performance landing procedures. This summary draws on records from the Ecuadorian Civil Aviation Directorate (DGAC Ecuador).

An Embraer ERJ-190 veered off the runway at Mariscal Lamar Airport during landing, resulting in significant aircraft damage and minor injuries to two occupants.

What happened

On April 28, 2016, an Embraer ERJ-190 was operating a scheduled commercial flight from Quito to Cuenca, Ecuador. The aircraft was carrying 87 passengers and a crew consisting of two pilots, three flight attendants, and one maintenance technician.

During the approach to runway 23 at Mariscal Lamar Airport, the crew received information regarding wet runway conditions and braking action reported as good to medium. As the aircraft descended, the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) alerted the crew that they were approaching landing minima. The pilot noted a PAPI indication of three red lights and one white light.

The aircraft touched down 277 meters past the runway threshold. Upon application of braking, the aircraft failed to decelerate sufficiently. Realizing the remaining runway was inadequate, the pilot attempted a maneuver to steer the aircraft toward the grassy area near the opposite threshold. The aircraft eventually came to rest 49 meters beyond the end of runway 23. The impact caused the left main landing gear to collapse and resulted in damage to the engine mounts, flaps, and lower fuselage. While most passengers and crew were uninjured, two individuals sustained minor injuries.

The investigation

The Ecuadorian Accident Investigation Board examined the flight data, cockpit voice recorder (CVR), and runway conditions. The investigation focused on the approach profile, the use of aircraft braking systems, and the adequacy of the airline's operational documentation. Investigators also reviewed the maintenance records regarding a previously reported pressurization valve anomaly and the aircraft's fuel load, which was 1,500 kg higher than usual for this route.

Findings

The runway surface was contaminated with water and slippery at the time of landing.
The crew performed an unstabilized approach involving a tailwind.
The crew failed to implement the manufacturer's recommended Maximum Performance Landing procedure for contaminated runways.
There was an omission in calculating the required landing distance based on the reported braking action.
The crew decided to continue the approach using PAPI visual cues despite being at the limits of the operational corridor.
The use of reverse thrust was incorrect, and the application of emergency braking inhibited the anti-skid system.
Operational documentation (Terminal Information) used confusing terminology specific to Airbus fleets rather than Embraer.
There was a lack of effective Crew Resource Management (CRM) and insufficient training regarding runway distance calculation tables.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the accident was the landing on a contaminated, slippery runway following an unstabilized approach with a tailwind, compounded by the failure to utilize the manufacturer's recommended maximum performance landing procedures.

2016-04-28: Embraer — Aeropuerto, EC