What happened
On March 16, 2017, at approximately 20:42 UTC, an Embraer EMB-810D, registration PT-VNZ, was performing a landing at Marechal Rondon International Airport (SBCY) in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso. The aircraft had departed from Araputanga, MT, to transport one pilot and two passengers.
During the landing roll on runway 35, the aircraft experienced a leftward yaw, causing it to exceed the lateral edge of the runway and come to a stop in the adjacent grassy area. The aircraft sustained light damage, but all three occupants were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators confirmed that the pilot held valid multi-engine land and instrument ratings, as well as a valid medical certificate. The aircraft was also found to be in compliance with airworthiness requirements, with all weight and balance limits respected and maintenance logs up to date. Meteorological conditions at the time of the occurrence were favorable for flight.
Upon examination of the aircraft, investigators discovered that a fastening bolt at the junction of the left main landing gear strut had detached from its position. This loss of the component allowed the wheel to rotate freely, which compromised the directional control of the aircraft on the ground and directly led to the runway excursion. However, the specific bolt was not recovered from the scene, preventing a definitive determination of why the component became detached.
Findings
- The detachment of the landing gear strut fastening bolt caused the left wheel to rotate freely.
- The loss of directional control during the landing roll resulted in the aircraft exiting the runway.
- The cause of the bolt's detachment remains undetermined because the component was not found at the site.