Premier 390 Runway Excursion at São Paulo-Congonhas (N4395D)

Overview and Flight Details On 14 March 2004, a Raytheon Premier 390, registration N4395D, operated temporarily by Líder Táxi Aéreo, was involved in an accident at São Paulo-Congonhas (SBSP). The aircraft had departed Caldas Novas (SWKN) with two crew members and two passengers aboard. It was flying under instrument flight rules in instrument meteorological conditions. ## Approach and Landing The aircraft was cleared for the BULI arrival to intercept the HOTEL 5 approach to runway 35L. Radar data indicated the approach remained within published ILS parameters, but the aircraft touched down at approximately 130 knots, above the expected speed of about 109 knots. At the time of landing, the runway was wet due to moderate rain, with visibility of 2,000 meters, a ceiling of 700 feet, and wind from 360 degrees at 10 knots. ## Runway Excursion During the landing roll, the crew reported that the brakes did not provide a satisfactory response. The co-pilot retracted the flaps in approximately the first third of the runway and then applied the emergency brake, which deactivated the anti-skid system. The aircraft continued forward despite all available braking measures. Near the end of the runway, the commander applied the left rudder pedal, causing the nose to yaw left. The aircraft skidded about 170 degrees, crossed a grass strip, and came to a complete stop on taxiway “E,” near the beginning of runway 17R. ## Damage and Injuries All four occupants—two crew members and two passengers—were uninjured. The aircraft sustained serious damage to the landing gear and wing, including a fracture of the main spar, as well as minor damage to the fuselage, flaps, ailerons, and hydraulic system. No fire occurred, and there was no damage to third parties. ## Investigation Findings The anti-skid system was bench-tested by the manufacturer and found to be operating within expected parameters. The aircraft was within weight and balance limits, with 1,600 pounds of fuel and a total weight of 1,800 pounds. The commander held an airline pilot license with 8,000 total hours but only 30 hours on the type; the co-pilot held a commercial pilot license with 1,760 total hours and 470 hours on the type. The investigation concluded that the crew failed to maintain the expected approach speed and that no landing briefing addressing wet-runway conditions or the possibility of a go-around appears to have been conducted. The use of the emergency brake disabled the anti-skid system, causing the wheels to lock on the wet runway and resulting in an uncontrolled skid.