What happened
On August 8, 2017, a Cessna 210L, registration PR-HAC, was performing a check flight from Belo Horizonte to Teófilo Otoni, Minas Gerais, when it experienced a runway excursion at Juscelino Kubitschek Airport (SNTO). The flight, operated by the Military Police of Minas and Gerais, was carrying two crew members and two passengers.
During the landing phase, the aircraft touched the runway, gained altitude, and then struck the ground again with significant force. This second impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse and the propeller to strike the runway surface. Following the impact, the crew lost control of the aircraft, which veered off the left side of runway 29. Despite the substantial damage to the aircraft, all four occupants escaped without injury.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that both the pilot in command and the second in command were properly licensed, qualified, and held valid medical certificates. The aircraft was also found to be airworthy, with all maintenance logs up to date, and was operating within its weight and balance limits. Meteorological conditions at the time were favorable for flight.
The investigation focused on the sequence of the landing, noting that the flight was a check flight, with the second in command acting as the checker. The second in command reported that the final approach was higher than normal and noted signs of nervousness in the pilot in command. The landing flare was performed late, near the middle of the runway, and the pilot in command initiated the initial touchdown.
Investigators determined that the aircraft entered a porpoising maneuver—a series of bounces caused by insufficient airspeed or improper control inputs. The investigation concluded that the decision to continue the landing after the first bounce, rather than initiating an immediate go-around, exacerbated the situation.
Findings
- Inappropriate control inputs during the landing sequence.
- Impaired pilot judgment regarding the decision to continue the landing after the initial bounce.
- Failure of the checker to intervene or take control of the aircraft when errors were observed.
- Potential influence of the pilot in command's emotional state.