What happened
On January 30, 2013, a Cessna 650 operated by Tam Aviação Executiva e Taxi Aereo S.A., registered as PT-OMU, was performing a passenger transport flight from Rio de Janeiro (SBGL) to Resende (SDRS). The flight, which included two pilots and three passengers, encountered deteriorating weather conditions during the approach, necessitating a transition from instrument flight rules to visual flight rules.
During the landing roll at Resende Aerodrome, the aircraft touched down approximately halfway down the runway. After the main gear made contact, the pilot engaged the thrust reversers. However, the pilot encountered difficulty bringing the nose gear to the ground. During this phase, the aircraft began to drift toward the right side of the runway. The pilot attempted to use the nose wheel steering to correct the path but was unsuccessful, and did not attempt to use the rudder pedals for directional control. The aircraft subsequently exited the runway on the right, traveling across approximately 200 meters of grass before coming to a stop on a taxiway. The nose gear collapsed during the excursion. All five occupants were uninjured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the flight crew's qualifications, the aircraft's airworthiness, and the environmental conditions. Both pilots were found to be properly licensed, rated for the Cessna 650, and held valid medical certificates. The aircraft was within weight and balance limits, and all technical documentation was up to date.
Technical inspections of the nose gear, steering actuator, and squat switches were conducted. The squat switches were found to be functioning normally, and the steering actuator responded correctly to hydraulic pressure. An external observer noted that the aircraft appeared to be traveling at a higher speed than normal upon touchdown. The investigation focused on the crew's decision-making regarding the marginal weather conditions and their control inputs during the landing roll.
Findings
- The crew's decision to proceed with the landing in deteriorating weather conditions demonstrated failures in the decision-making process and a lack of conservative alternatives.
- The crew exhibited overconfidence and complacency, which led to a reduction in situational awareness during the operation.
- The pilot's flight inputs and control of the aircraft were inadequate, specifically regarding the attempt to force the nose gear to the ground and the failure to use rudder pedals for directional correction.
- Adverse meteorological conditions contributed to the difficulty in maintaining a stabilized approach and standard traffic pattern.