What happened
During an approach and landing at Cascais aerodrome, a Beechcraft 18 experienced a series of bounces on the runway. The aircraft's initial touchdown was characterized by excessive speed and an attitude that caused it to bounce. Following a second touchdown, the aircraft entered a divergent dynamic, oscillating left and right. This sequence led to a runway excursion to the left, where the aircraft performed a ground loop, rotating approximately 220 degrees from its original heading. During this uncontrolled movement, the right wingtip of the Beechcraft 18 struck a Cessna 152 that was holding on the taxiway awaiting takeoff for a flight instruction session.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the aircraft, the environmental conditions, and the pilot's recent flight history. The investigation noted that while some aircraft components showed signs of degradation due to inactivity or lack of preservation, no mechanical failure was linked to the excursion. The investigation also reviewed the aerodrome's configuration, noting that runway 17 features an asphalt surface with a negative slope of -1.1% and an APAPI 4° system. Environmental data from the control tower indicated a wind of 290/010kt, providing an 8-knot right crosswind component during the landing.
Findings
- The crew of both aircraft escaped the event uninjured.
- The Beechcraft 18 sustained damage to the rear fuselage, vertical stabilizers, and rudders after the tail wheel collapsed upon striking the edge of the taxiway. The right landing gear braking system was also damaged by ground contact.
- The Cessna 152 sustained substantial damage to its left wing and the left side of the cockpit area.
- The pilot, a 57-year-old individual holding a PPL(A) with multi-engine qualification, had not operated this specific aircraft model since 2018.
- Inadequate piloting technique involving excessive directional correction (PIO) was identified as the primary cause of the event.
- A contributing factor was the pilot's reduced proficiency in the aircraft model under the reported wind conditions.