Embraer EMB-500 Runway Excursion at Juiz de Fora

Casualties unknown • JUIZ DE FORA, MG, BR

An Embraer EMB-500 experienced a runway excursion during landing at Juiz de Fora, Brazil, after encountering tailwinds and wet runway conditions.

What happened

On October 31, 2017, at 20:45 UTC, an Embraer EMB-500, registration PR-IVI, was performing a private flight from Rio de Janeiro (SBRJ) to Juiz de Fora (SBJF). During the landing phase at Juiz de Fora, the aircraft overran the end of the runway, traveling approximately 187 meters beyond the threshold before coming to a stop near the edge of an embankment. The aircraft sustained light damage to the radome and the left main landing gear fairing. Both the pilot and the passenger were uninjured.

The investigation

CENIPA's investigation revealed that the aircraft approached the runway with a 12-knot tailwind, exceeding the manufacturer's 10-knot limitation. The aircraft crossed the threshold at an altitude of only 10 feet and at a speed of 102 knots, which was 10 knots above the recommended VREF. Upon crossing the threshold, the pilot retracted the flaps to position 1, a procedure not specified in the manufacturer's manuals for landing.

The investigation also noted significant infrastructure limitations at SBJF at the time of the occurrence. Due to a transition in airport management, the Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) was unavailable, and there was no active lighting or PAPI for runway 03. Furthermore, no local meteorological services (METAR/TAF) were available at the airport, forcing the pilot to rely on data from nearby aerodames. At the time of landing, the runway was wet due to recent rain.

Findings

  • The aircraft experienced a tailwind component of 14 knots at the moment of touchdown.
  • The pilot's decision-making and flight attitude contributed to the excursion.
  • The pilot crossed the threshold at an unstable speed and altitude.
  • The retraction of flaps to position 1 during the landing roll was a contributing factor.
  • The pilot applied braking intermittently and with delays, only achieving maximum braking pressure 544 meters from the opposite threshold.
  • The runway surface was wet, increasing the required stopping distance.
  • The lack of local airport services and meteorological information at SBJF hindered real-time situational awareness regarding wind and surface conditions.

Probable cause

The runway excursion was caused by an unstable approach characterized by excessive airspeed and a tailwind component exceeding manufacturer limitations, compounded by the pilot's decision to retract flaps during the landing roll and delayed application of maximum braking on a wet runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2017-10-31 aircraft accident near JUIZ DE FORA, MG, BR?

An Embraer EMB-500 experienced a runway excursion during landing at Juiz de Fora, Brazil, after encountering tailwinds and wet runway conditions.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2017-10-31 involved a aircraft, registration PRIVI, at JUIZ DE FORA, MG, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The runway excursion was caused by an unstable approach characterized by excessive airspeed and a tailwind component exceeding manufacturer limitations, compounded by the pilot's decision to retract flaps during the landing roll and delayed application of maximum braking on a wet runway.

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