What happened
On June 13, 2008, an Embraer EMB-810, registration PT-RBW, departed from Sobral, Ceará, for the purpose of transporting cargo to Piripiri, Piauí. Upon arrival in Piripiri, the pilot landed the aircraft on an abandoned runway that had been converted into a public road.
After the engines were shut down, local residents informed the pilot that the landing site was no longer the active local aerodrome, which had been relocated 5km south of the city center. Realizing the error, the pilot attempted to reposition the aircraft for a new takeoff. During this maneuver, the left wingtip collided with a car parked on the side of the road. Despite the collision, the pilot proceeded to take off from the public road and flew to a nearby uncertified landing strip.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the pilot was properly licensed and qualified for the flight, and the weather conditions were favorable. However, the investigation revealed that the pilot had planned the flight without consulting the Aeronautical Route Manual (ROTAER), which would have indicated that the destination city lacked a certified aerodrome. Furthermore, the investigation found that the aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness was suspended because its aeronautical insurance had expired.
Findings
- The pilot performed an operation at an uncertified aerodrome, violating Brazilian aeronautical regulations.
- The aircraft was being operated with expired aeronautical insurance.
- The collision was caused by the aircraft's wingtip striking a stationary vehicle while maneuvering on a public thoroughfare.
- The two occupants of the aircraft were uninjured, though the aircraft sustained light damage and the third-party vehicle was also damaged.