What happened
While the provided source material focuses on safety recommendations rather than a specific accident narrative, it addresses a systemic risk involving the use of incorrect takeoff performance data. The issue involves the potential for flight crews to utilize erroneous data during the critical takeoff phase, which can lead to insufficient runway length or inadequate acceleration for the aircraft's configuration.
The investigation
The investigation examined the risks associated with manual data entry into performance application tools. It was established that the use of incorrect takeoff performance data is a broad safety concern affecting various aircraft types, not just a single model. The investigation looked into the current state of software protections and the role of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in regulating onboard systems.
While the Dutch Safety Board previously recommended that EASA develop requirements for onboard systems in 2020, the investigation found that technical and regulatory implementation remains a long-term process. The inquiry specifically looked at Embraer’s performance application tool and noted that while improvements are being developed to make misselections harder to occur, there is currently a lack of onboard systems providing hard barriers against erroneous data entry.
Findings
- The use of erroneous takeoff performance data is a significant safety issue across the aviation industry.
- Embraer's current performance application tool lacks sufficient mechanisms to prevent or easily detect misselections.
- A lack of onboard systems providing hard barriers against erroneous data entry is a notable gap, as some other manufacturers have already begun developing such protections.
- While Embraer has initiated development for tool improvements expected in 2024, there are currently no plans from the manufacturer to implement independent onboard systems that detect gross input errors.
Safety action
Following the investigation, the Dutch Safety Board has issued a formal recommendation to Embraer. The manufacturer is urged to begin the development of an independent onboard system designed to detect gross input errors during the takeoff performance calculation process. This system should also be capable of alerting the flight crew to abnormal low accelerations or insufficient runway length relative to the actual aircraft configuration.