What happened
On June 3, 1998, an Embraer 810 C, registration PT-EJC, operated by Girassol Aerotáxi Ltda, was performing a scheduled flight from Manaus to Coari, Amazonas. The aircraft was transporting three passengers and bank mailbags. Upon arrival at Coari, the pilot encountered heavy rain and significantly reduced visibility, estimated at approximately 200 meters.
During the landing roll on runway 28, the pilot observed a dark shape on the runway, which was later identified as a pothole undergoing repair. In an attempt to avoid the hole, the pilot applied excessive right rudder. This maneuver caused the aircraft to exit the paved surface and collide with a pile of sand, cement, and two drums of pitch that had been left on the right side of the runway by maintenance workers. The impact resulted in severe damage to the aircraft, rendering it a total loss.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the runway was undergoing unannounced repairs. Maintenance workers had begun the work the previous night but suspended operations due to rain, leaving the construction materials near the runway edge. Crucially, no NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) had been issued to alert pilots of the ongoing work or the presence of obstacles.
The investigation also noted that the pilot's decision to land in such low visibility was a factor, as well as the lack of coordination between the local authorities and the aviation community regarding the runway's condition. Additionally, the pilot's failure to use a safety harness contributed to head injuries sustained during the impact.