What happened
On September 24, 2012, an EMB-721D aircraft, registration PT-REI, was performing a ferry flight from Manicoré to Borba, Amazonas, when the pilot encountered fluctuations in fuel flow approximately 20 nautical miles from Novo Aripuanã. Due to the engine instability, the pilot decided to execute an emergency landing at the Novo Aripuanã Aerodrome (SWNA).
During the approach, the pilot noted the onset of significant engine vibrations. While focused on the engine issues and monitoring local bird activity near the airfield, the pilot failed to extend the landing gear. The aircraft touched down with the gear retracted, causing the propeller blades to sustain substantial damage and the lower fuselage to become dented. The pilot emerged from the accident uninjured.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation established that the aircraft was airworthy, though the maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not up to date. The investigation noted that the Novo Arip to Aripuanã Aerodrome was actually closed to operations at the time of the accident due to safety risks, as indicated by a standing NOTAM.
Examination of the engine following the incident revealed no technical discrepancies that would have contributed to the landing error. However, an inspection of the cockpit revealed that the landing gear lever remained in the up position. Additionally, the pilot's failure to complete the final landing checklist was evidenced by the power lever being at minimum and the propeller lever being positioned slightly below the maximum RPM stop.