What happened
During an approach and landing at Cascais aerodrome, a Beechcraft 18 experienced a series of uncontrolled movements on the runway. The aircraft touched down with such high speed and an improper attitude that it bounced on the first contact. 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 excursion, the right wingtip of the Beechcraft struck a Cessna 152 that was holding on the taxiway awaiting takeoff for a flight instruction session.
The investigation
The GPIAAF examined the aircraft, the environmental conditions, and the pilot's recent flight history. The investigation noted that the pilot had not operated this specific aircraft model since 2018. At the time of the landing, the wind was reported as 290/09kt, providing an 8-knot right crosswind component for runway 17. While the aircraft showed signs of degradation due to inactivity or lack of preservation, investigators could not link the excursion to any mechanical failure. The impact caused the Beechcraft's tail wheel to collapse upon striking the edge of the taxiway, resulting in damage to the rear fuselage, vertical stabilizers, and rudders. The Cessna 152 sustained substantial damage to its left wing and the cockpit area of the fuselage. Both crews were uninjured.
Findings
- The most probable cause of the accident was inadequate piloting technique during landing characterized by excessive directional correction (PIO).
- A contributing factor was the pilot's reduced proficiency with this specific aircraft model under the prevailing wind conditions.