What happened
On August 6, 2012, an Embraer EMB-505, registration CN-MBR, was performing an approach to the St. Gallen-Altenrhein Regional Airport (LSZR) in Switzerland. The flight crew initially attempted an ILS approach but initiated a go-around after encountering various flight parameters. On a subsequent approach, the aircraft landed on the runway but failed to stop within the available distance. The aircraft overran the end of the grooved runway, subsequently breaching the airport perimeter fencing.
The investigation
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) examined the flight data recorder (CVDR) and the Centralized Maintenance Computer to reconstruct the sequence of events. The investigation focused on the aircraft's configuration during the landing phase, specifically the deployment of flaps and spoilers, as well as the timing of braking applications. Investigators also reviewed the flight path, analyzing the glide slope and localizer captures, and examined the mechanical state of the flap selector lever and the braking system.
Findings
Technical analysis revealed that the aircraft's flaps were stuck at approximately 10 degrees, which corresponds to the first flap position. This configuration contributed to an unstabilized approach and a landing characterized by excessive speed and a long touchdown point. Furthermore, the investigation established that the crew applied maximum braking with a delay following the touchdown. The investigation also noted a lack of effective crew coordination and insufficient situational analysis by the flight crew during the approach and landing phases.