Incident Overview
A twin-engine aircraft departed Manaus-Eduardo Gomes Airport on a flight to Carauari, carrying 15 passengers and two pilots. Approximately 50 minutes into the flight, while cruising at 8,500 feet, the right engine failed. The crew made several attempts to restart the engine but without success. After informing air traffic control, they were cleared to divert to Coari Airport, located about 37 km from their position.
Approach and Landing
Because the aircraft was overloaded and operating with one engine inoperative, the crew approached Coari Airport runway 28 at a speed higher than the reference speed. The aircraft touched down approximately 700 meters past the runway 28 threshold; the runway length is 1,600 meters. After touchdown, directional control was lost. The airplane veered off the runway to the left, contacted a drainage ditch, tearing off the landing gear, and came to rest 20 meters further.
Occupants and Damage
All 17 occupants evacuated the aircraft. Nine sustained injuries. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the right engine failure resulted from fuel pump failure due to poor maintenance and possible use beyond prescribed limits. The presence of iron oxide inside and outside the fuel pump and lack of cleanliness of internal components indicated probable lack of maintenance. When the right engine stopped, generator No. 1 became responsible for powering the electrical system but was not in good working order; it ceased functioning, leaving only the battery. The crew did not monitor the electrical system and only realized the failure when attempting to extend the landing gear. The emergency hydraulic system was used to lower the gear, but the crew did not return the system selection valve to the normal position, resulting in inoperative brakes and steering after landing. The chain of failures was associated with not reading the checklist after engine failure.
Contributing factors identified include: poor flight preparation; failure to follow standard operating procedures; decision to initiate flight with an overloaded aircraft (by 503 kg); failure to follow checklists during emergencies; lack of effective personnel training by the company; overload and single-engine operation forcing a higher approach speed; improper control use leading to landing 700 meters past the threshold; focus on engine failure leading to neglect of electrical system failures; operations clearing the overloaded flight; lack of flight preparation regarding total weight; and lack of maintenance by the operator.