What happened
On February 15, 2012, an Embraver EMB-720D, registration PT-VMQ, operated by Addey Táxi-Aéreo, was performing a commercial air taxi flight from Salvador, BA, to Morro de São Paulo, BA. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and six passengers.
Upon arrival at the Cairu/Lorenzo Aerodrome (SNCL), the pilot opted to land on runway 04. After observing a crosswind of approximately 20 knots from the right, the pilot executed a landing procedure consistent with the aircraft's manual for "short runway - no power" landings. During the approach, the pilot increased propeller pitch and reduced speed to 85 knots before configuring the flaps to 40 degrees and reducing power to idle.
As the aircraft crossed the runway threshold, it experienced a float due to a tailwind component. The first touchdown occurred approximately 200 meters from the threshold, followed by a 45-meter float before a second definitive touchdown. Following the second contact, the aircraft traveled roughly 160 meters when the right main gear tire burst. This led to a strong rightward yaw, causing the aircraft to lose directional control and exit the right side of the runway, coming to a stop approximately 187 meters from the opposite threshold (runway 22). All seven occupants escaped the incident uninjured, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the left main gear strut and light damage to the upper left wing.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation examined the flight maneuvers, the aircraft's technical condition, and the operational procedures used during the landing. Investigators analyzed the aircraft's operating manual, specifically comparing the pilot's actions against the prescribed techniques for both "normal" and "short runway" landings. The investigation also reviewed the runway conditions, which were dry and unobstructed at the time of the occurrence, and the pilot's qualifications and flight planning.