What happened
On June 26, 2013, a student pilot was performing their first solo flight in an EMB-712 at the Júlio César Aerodrome (SBJC) in Belém, Brazil. The flight was part of a training program conducted by Aeroclube do Pará. Earlier that morning, the student had completed a training flight with an instructor, which included eight successful touch-and-go maneuvers, leading the instructor to deem the student prepared for a solo circuit.
During the solo operation, which was intended to consist of a single traffic pattern, the aircraft veered off the right side of runway 16 during the landing rollout. As the aircraft exited the paved surface, it traveled approximately 29 meters across uneven grassy terrain. The impact with the irregular ground caused the main landing gear wheel to detach from its fork. The pilot remained uninjured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation confirmed that the aircraft, registration PP-FPO, was airworthy and within weight and balance limits at the time of the accident. The investigation noted that while the student had previously performed solo flights in other aircraft models, such as the AMT-600, this was their first solo in the EMB-712. Meteorological conditions were favorable for visual flight rules (VFR) at the time of the occurrence. The investigation also verified that the instructor and the student held valid medical certificates, though the student did not yet hold a technical pilot certificate (CHT).
Findings
- Improper control inputs during the landing rollout.
- Lack of experience of the student pilot in this specific aircraft model.