What happened
On September 22, 2014, an Embraer 190-200 IGW, registration PR-AXK, operating for Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras S.A., was landing at Porto Seguro Airport (SBPS) in Bahia, Brazil. The flight, which originated from Confins (SBCF) with 105 passengers and 5 crew members, encountered rain and low visibility during its approach.
Upon touchdown on runway 10, the aircraft exceeded the landing distance available. The aircraft experienced a rightward yaw and skidded, eventually coming to a stop in the paved overrun area located after the opposite threshold. The incident resulted in light damage to the aircraft, specifically to the tires of the main landing gear due to braking friction, but all occupants remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the flight data and environmental conditions at the time of the occurrence. Investigators found that while the aircraft's deceleration systems—including spoilers, reversers, and brakes—were fully functional, their application was delayed. The flight data recorder (FDR) indicated that the touchdown occurred after the 1,000-foot mark and that the use of thrust reversers and brakes was significantly postponed.
Meteorological reports confirmed that the airport was operating under instrument flight rules (IFR) with light rain and mist. While the air traffic control service informed the crew of the wind and visibility, the investigation noted that the essential information regarding the wet condition of the runway was not communicated to the pilots. Furthermore, the aircraft was configured for a dry runway despite the high probability of a wet surface.
Findings
- Delayed deceleration: The crew delayed the application of thrust reversers and brakes, which increased the required stopping distance.
- Improper flight controls: An excessively long flare may have occurred, further extending the landing roll.
- Inadequate environmental assessment: The crew's decision-making led to a landing configuration for a dry runway, failing to account for the likely wet surface.
- Delayed perception: The crew demonstrated a late perception of the runway conditions and an inaccurate assessment of the remaining runway length.
- Communication omission: The air traffic control service did not notify the crew of the presence of water on the runway.
Safety action
CENIPA issued a safety recommendation to the Department of Airspace Control (DECEA) to instruct air traffic controllers at Porto Seguro to always inform pilots of any water on the runway or other essential aerodrome condition information, in accordance with current legislation.