What happened
On November 18, 2017, a GOL Airlines 737-800, registration PR-GXW, was performing a scheduled flight from Curitiba to Foz do Iguaçu. During the landing approach to runway 32 at Cataratas Aerodrome (SBFI), the aircraft encountered heavy rain and thunderstorms.
As the aircraft approached the runway, the crew relied on wind information provided by approach control that indicated a wind of 200° at 6 knots. However, the actual conditions at the time of touchdown involved a significant tailwind component of 16 knots, which exceeded the Boeing 7/37-800's maximum operational limit of 10 knots. The aircraft touched down approximately 1,000 meters before the runway threshold. Despite the application of braking systems and thrust reversers, the aircraft could not decelerate sufficiently within the remaining runway length, resulting in a runway excursion. The aircraft overpassed the end of runway 32 and came to a stop in the stopway located after the threshold of runway 14. There were no injuries to the 119 passengers or 6 crewmembers, and the aircraft sustained no damage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the discrepancy between the wind information used by the crew and the actual meteorological conditions. The investigation established that the crew performed the approach with a lower descent rate than recommended and utilized a prolonged flare, which caused the touchdown to occur much further down the runway than ideal.
Investigators also examined the communication between the tower and the crew, noting that the tower did not report the specific wind direction and intensity at the time of landing authorization. The analysis highlighted that the crew's decision-making was compromised by a lack of updated situational awareness regarding the actual tailwind component, as they were operating based on outdated or inaccurate wind parameters.
Findings
- The aircraft landed with a tailwind of 16 knots, significantly exceeding the manufacturer's 10-knot limit.
- The crew's decision to continue the approach without updated wind information was an inadequate assessment of the operational context.
- The maintenance of a lower-than-recommended descent rate and a prolonged flare contributed to the late touchdown point.
- The absence of specific wind information from the tower contributed to a reduction in the crew's situational awareness.
- The crew's perception of the landing was based on parameters that did not match the actual environmental conditions (wet runway and high tailwind).