What happened
On March 6, 2014, at approximately 13:00 UTC, an Embraer EMB-810C, registration PT-EBM, was performing a taxi for departure at the Fazenda Água Limpa aerodrome (SDNQ) in Rio Branco, Acre. The aircraft, operated by Ortiz Táxi-Aéreo Ltda., was preparing for a flight to Lábrea, Amazonas. During the taxi maneuver, the pilot attempted to steer to the right to avoid a water-filled pothole located on the runway centerline. This maneuver caused the aircraft to slide off the side of the runway and come to rest in the airfield's drainage ditch. The aircraft sustained substancial damage to its right flap, but all four occupants—one crew member and three passengers—remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation noted that the private airfield features a grass runway measuring 1000 m by 20 m, operating under visual flight rules without navigational aids. Meteorological data from nearby Rio Branco indicated recent rainfall in the region, and the pilot reported that the airfield's drainage is deficient, leading to the formation of holes and standing water following rain. The investigation also revealed that the operator did not initially report the event to CENIPA, nor did they take photographs of the scene. Furthermore, the aircraft was moved for maintenance without authorization from the investigating body, which hindered the full assessment of the damage and the overall investigative process.
Findings
- Deficiencies in airport infrastructure, specifically regarding runway surface maintenance and drainage.
- Pilot judgment regarding the maneuver to avoid the obstacle.
- Flight planning considerations regarding operating at an airfield with known surface issues.
- Recent heavy precipitation contributing to poor runway conditions.