What happened
On February 21, 2010, an EMB-711C, registration PT-NIJ, was performing a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Caldas Novas to Brasília. During the approach to Brasília Airport (SBBR), the pilot inadvertently aligned the aircraft with the final approach for runway 11R instead of the assigned runway 11L.
After being alerted by the tower controller regarding the error, the pilot elected to land on the right-hand runway (11R). During the landing sequence, the pilot failed to extend the landing gear. The error was only discovered when the landing gear warning horn sounded as the pilot reduced power for touchdown. The aircraft struck the runway with its belly, traveling approximately 270 meters before coming to a stop. The impact caused serious damage to the propeller and engine, as well as light damage to the lower fuselage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the gear-up landing. Investigators examined the pilot's communications with Air Traffic Services (ATS), noting that the pilot did not fully read back the landing authorization, instead responding only with "ciente" (understood).
The analysis determined that the interaction with the tower regarding the runway error likely interrupted the pilot's normal checklist sequence. Furthermore, the investigation found that because the pilot only extended the flaps to 10 degrees, the aircraft's automated visual and audible landing gear warnings were not triggered by the flap position, as the system requires an extension beyond 10 degrees to activate.
Findings
- The pilot forgot to command the extension of the landing gear during the approach.
- The pilot inadvertently deviated from the authorized approach path.
- The use of non-standard phraseology (failing to read back instructions) may have reduced the pilot's situational awareness regarding the landing checklist.
- The pilot and two passengers were uninjured.
- The aircraft was within weight and center of gravity limits, and all documentation and maintenance were up to date.