What happened
On June 19, 2014, a Neiva EMB-810D, registration PT-RUB, was operating a scheduled air taxi flight from Boa Vista, RR, to the Aeroclube de Flores (SWFN) in Manaus, AM. The flight, carrying one pilot and three passengers, was filed as a visual flight rules (VFR) operation, despite meteorological reports indicating unfavorable conditions in the Manaus terminal area, including thunderstorms and low ceilings.
During the descent, the pilot flew under instrument conditions, deviating from the filed flight plan and air traffic control instructions, to attempt to establish visual contact with the airfield. Upon obtaining visual contact near the runway, the pilot performed a wind correction maneuver from the north to align with runway 29. Due to the influence of the wind and a 9-knot tailwind component, the aircraft touched down on a wet runway in the second third of the strip at a speed higher than ideal for braking.
Realizing the aircraft was overshooting the intended area, the pilot applied heavy braking and right rudder to execute a sharp, high-speed turn (a "cavalo de pau") to keep the aircraft on the runway. This maneuver resulted in the aircraft exiting the runway surface, causing damage to the left landing gear, the underside of the left wing, and a propeller strike that caused the engine to stop abruptly. All four occupants escaped the incident without injury.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation established that the pilot was flying in conditions that did not support the filed VFR flight plan. Investigators reviewed air traffic control communications, which confirmed the pilot operated under instrument conditions without the necessary instrument rating or experience. The investigation also noted that the pilot was the owner of the operating company and was conducting the flight to facilitate the license revalidation of two crew members on board.
Findings
- The pilot lacked the required instrument rating and experience for the conditions encountered.
- The flight was conducted under adverse meteorological conditions involving rain and low visibility.
- The pilot's decision-making was influenced by motivation, as the flight was intended to assist in crew revalidation.
- The pilot demonstrated flight indiscipline by deviating from air traffic control instructions.
- The landing was performed with a significant tailwind component on a wet runway, leading to an unstable approach and excessive touchdown speed.