What happened
On January 17, 2012, an Embraer EMB-810C, registration PT-ESI, operated by North Star Taxi Aéreo Ltda., was performing a passenger transport flight from Fortaleza to Camocim, Ceará. The flight proceeded normally under visual flight rules (VFR) until the arrival phase at Camocim Aerodrome.
Upon approaching runway 14, the pilot performed the necessary pre-landing checks; however, the landing gear was not extended. The aircraft subsequently performed a landing without gear, resulting in the propellers and engines making contact with the runway. The distance from the initial propeller contact to the aircraft's full stop was approximately 250 meters. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the engines and propellers.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation confirmed that the pilot was properly qualified and experienced for the operation, and all required medical and technical certifications were valid. The aircraft was within its specified weight and center of gravity limits, and all maintenance logs for the airframe, engines, and propellers were up to date. The runway at Camocim was dry, unobstructed, and suitable for the operation.
Investigators focused on the pilot's actions during the landing sequence. While the pilot reported performing pre-landing checks, they failed to extend the landing gear. Furthermore, the pilot could not recall if the landing gear warning horn activated after the power levers were reduced. The investigation established that the pilot's failure to use a checklist during the landing procedure contributed to the omission.
Findings
- Failure to use the checklist during the landing phase.
- Pilot error involving the omission of the landing gear extension procedure.