Portugalia Embraer ERJ-145 Runway Excursion at Bilbao (CS-TPI)

Flight Overview and Incident Description On January 23, 2001, Portugalia flight 816, operating as a scheduled international passenger service from Oporto, arrived at Bilbao Airport (Vizcaya) around 17:15 UTC. The aircraft, an Embraer ERJ-145 EP with registration CS-TPI, was powered by two Allison AE 3007A engines and carried two pilots, two flight attendants, and 25 passengers. The flight had proceeded normally until the approach phase, when the crew encountered strong crosswinds, turbulence, and windshear. The crew initially aborted an ILS approach to runway 30 due to adverse wind conditions. After joining the landing circuit, the flight attempted a second ILS approach at 17:48 UTC. During this approach, the aircraft touched down past the midpoint of the runway and subsequently overran the runway end. The aircraft came to rest on the grass beyond the threshold of runway 12, approximately 135 meters from it. No personal injuries were reported, and the aircraft sustained only minor damage. ## Meteorological Conditions and Aircraft Performance Weather conditions at Bilbao were characterized by strong crosswinds, turbulence, and gusts. The wind direction varied between 210° and 250°, with speeds ranging from 15 to 25 kt and gusts reaching 35 to 40 kt. The runway was dry, the temperature was 19 °C, and visibility exceeded 10 km. The aircraft's estimated weight was approximately 16,500 kg, with a reference landing speed (Vref) of 121 kt. However, the aircraft's speed during the final approach exceeded 176 kt. ## Damage and Maintenance The aircraft suffered minor damage to the landing gear from rolling over unprepared, muddy terrain. The engines, primarily the left one, ingested dirt and mud, which damaged some compressor blades. Additionally, the aircraft struck and broke a runway edge light during the landing roll. Post-incident maintenance included a thorough cleaning of the landing gear, engine wash, and replacement of main and nose landing gear wheels, as well as brake assemblies. The left engine required replacement of some fan blades and the spinner. All subsequent tests and inspections were satisfactory.