What happened
On June 22, 2012, a Mitsubishi MU-2B-20, registration PT-ICD, was operating a flight from Brasília International Airport (SBBR) to the private Botelho Aerodrome (SIQE) with a pilot and two passengers on board. During the first approach to runway 32, the pilot performed an unstable approach, touching the ground past the ideal touchdown point, which necessitated a go-around.
During the subsequent second approach, the aircraft touched the ground approximately nine meters before the start of the runway. The impact with the irregular terrain caused the right main landing gear strut to fracture. As the aircraft continued its landing roll, the instability caused by the broken strut led to a tire burst on the same gear. The aircraft traveled approximately 550 meters along the runway before coming to a complete stop. All occupants exited the aircraft through the main doors without assistance, and no injuries were reported.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and the flight sequence, noting that the aircraft was within weight and center of gravity limits and that all required certifications and maintenance logs were up to and including the annual inspection were valid. The investigation focused on the two separate landing attempts. Evidence from the runway showed that the initial impact occurred before the runway threshold and that the aircraft landed misaligned with the runway centerline, likely due to the destabilization caused by the initial impact with the uneven ground.
Findings
- The pilot failed to properly evaluate approach parameters during both final approaches.
- Improper use of aircraft controls contributed to the aircraft touching down before the runway threshold.
- The pilot's judgment regarding the approach parameters led to the impact with irregular terrain before the runway start.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right main landing gear strut and a burst tire.