What happened
On May 9, 2014, at approximately 16:05 UTC, a Neiva EMB-201A, registration PT-GXF, was performing an agricultural pilot training flight departing from Carazinho Aerodrome (SSKZ) in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Following the completion of the training mission, the pilot attempted to land at the same aerodrome.
During the landing sequence, the pilot allowed the aircraft to float after the main landing gear made contact with the runway. As the aircraft briefly left the ground again, the nose turned toward the right, weather-vaning into the wind. The pilot was unable to correct this directional tendency, and upon the second touchdown, the aircraft veered off the right side of the runway. The pilot attempted to use intermittent braking to stop the aircraft and prevent a ground loop, but the aircraft ultimately collided with vegetation located near the runway edge. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its wings, though the pilot remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators established that a pilot landing prior to PT-GXF had reported moderate turbulence on final approach. The investigation also confirmed that the pilot held valid medical and technical certifications, with a total flight time of 493:25 hours, though only 10 hours of experience in this specific model. The aircraft was found to be in a valid airworthy condition, with all maintenance records up to date, and was within weight and balance limits at the time of the occurrence.
Findings
- Ineffective use of flight controls during the landing phase;
- Adverse meteorological conditions (moderate turbulence);
- Limited pilot experience in the specific aircraft model.