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 improper attitude that it bounced on the first contact. Following a second touchdown, the aircraft entered a divergent dynamic characterized by successive deviations to the left and right. This sequence resulted in 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 an instructional flight.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the aircraft condition, crew data, and environmental factors at the time of the event. 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 pilot's credentials, noting the 57-year-old pilot held a valid PPL(A) with multi-engine qualification but had not operated this specific aircraft model since 2018. Environmental conditions at the time of landing included a cloudy sky and a wind from 290 degrees at 09 knots, providing an 8-knot right crosswind component for runway 17.
Findings
- The primary cause of the event was inadequate piloting technique during landing involving excessive directional correction (PIO).
- A contributing factor was the pilot's reduced proficiency with this specific aircraft model under the reported wind conditions.
- The ground loop caused the tail wheel to collapse upon striking the edge of the taxiway, resulting in damage to the rear fuselage, vertical stabilizers, and rudders.
- The collision caused substantial damage to the cockpit area and left wing of the stationary Cessna 152.
- Both crews involved in the event were uninjured.