What happened
On November 22, 2005, an Embraer EMB-820C Carajá, registration PT-RVT, was performing a charter flight from Ituiutaba (SNYB) to Piracicaba (SDPW). The aircraft was carrying two crew members and five passengers.
During the landing roll on runway 17, while the nose gear was still airborne, the crew sighted a crabivore fox (Cerdocyon thous) on the runway. The pilot was unable to avoid a collision with the animal. The impact caused the inadvertent retraction of the nose landing gear, leading both propellers to strike the ground. The aircraft subsequently slid approximately 300 meters along the runway before coming to a complete stop. All seven occupants were unharmed, and the aircraft sustained light damage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation confirmed that the pilots were properly qualified, experienced, and held valid medical certificates. The aircraft was also in compliance with airworthiness requirements.
The investigation focused on the airfield infrastructure at Piracicaba. At the time of the occurrence, the aerodrome lacked an operational perimeter fence capable of preventing terrestrial animals from entering the movement area. The existing boundary consisted only of wooden posts and barbed wire, which did not provide an effective barrier against wildlife.
Furthermore, the investigators noted that under the regulations in place at the time, the aerodrome was not required to implement formal Wildlife Hazard Management programs, as it did not meet specific criteria regarding international operations or large-scale passenger transport. However, the investigation highlighted that all aerodrome operators have a responsibility to maintain basic site procedures to mitigate wildlife risks.
Findings
- Airport infrastructure was the contributing factor to the event.