What happened
On August 16, 2011, a Cessna T206H, registration PR-SNM, was performing a ferry flight from Santos Dumont Aerodrome (SBRJ) to Jacarepaguá Aerodrome (SBJR) in Rio de Janeiro. During the landing on runway 20, the aircraft failed to stop within the paved surface, resulting in a runway excursion.
As the aircraft approached the end of the runway, the left tire burst. The aircraft then exited the paved area and struck the right wingtip against the ground before coming to a stop in a sandy area near the threshold of runway 02. The pilot and one passenger were uninjured, though the aircraft sustained light damage.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation established that the pilot was properly licensed and rated for the aircraft type, and that the aircraft's airworthiness documentation and maintenance records were up to date. Meteorological conditions at the time of the occurrence were favorable for visual flight.
Investigators found that during the final approach, the pilot maintained an indicated airspeed of 100 mph, which exceeded the recommended landing speed specified in the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) for the Cessna T206H. The pilot reported that they did not immediately realize the excess speed until after touchdown. In an attempt to reduce lift and stop the aircraft, the pilot retracted the flaps, but the aircraft could not be stopped before overrunning the runway.
Additionally, the investigation noted that a fire rescue vehicle (CCI) became stuck in the sandy terrain approximately 15 meters from the aircraft. This caused a delay in the emergency response, with firefighters reaching the scene more than three minutes after the incident occurred.
Findings
- The pilot performed the final approach at a speed higher than the manufacturer's recommended landing speed.
- Improper pilot judgment regarding airspeed and landing technique contributed to the overrun.
- The aircraft's left tire burst near the end of the runway, contributing to the loss of control during the excursion.
- Inadequate planning regarding the resistance of the terrain and emergency access routes led to the fire rescue vehicle becoming bogged down in the sand.