What happened
On June 19, 2011, a Neiva EMB-712, registration PT-RHR, was conducting a flight training mission (touch-and-go maneuvers) at Novo Hamburgo Aerodrome (SSNH) in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The aircraft, operated by Born to Fly Escola de Aviação, was carrying an instructor and a student.
During the approach for the first landing, the instructor decided to execute a go-around due to turbulence encountered during the approach. On the subsequent landing attempt, the aircraft touched down near the center of the runway, close to the windsock. As the aircraft continued down the runway, the instructor realized that a full stop could not be achieved within the available distance, particularly because powerline obstructions prevented a safe go-around. To avoid these obstacles, the instructor applied brakes and cut the engine, but the aircraft could not stop in time. The instructor then steered the aircraft to the right to find an escape area, causing the aircraft to exit the runway and collide with bushes on the side of the field. The two occupants were uninjured, though the aircraft sustained light damage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the landing parameters and the runway conditions at SSNH. Investigators noted that while the aircraft was airworthy and within weight and balance limits, the pilots had a habit of approaching the runway threshold beyond the standard point. This practice was a legacy of a time when eucalyptus trees obstructed the runway head, and the habit had persisted even after the obstacles were removed.
Furthermore, the investigation examined the runway surface. Although the official records indicated a dirt/gravel surface, the runway was largely covered by grass. At the time of the accident, this grass was wet, which likely reduced braking effectiveness. The investigation also looked into the crew's decision-making, noting that the sudden shift from a planned touch-and-go to a full-stop landing likely increased stress levels, potentially affecting cockpit coordination and deceleration procedures.