What happened
On December 17, 2020, a student pilot was conducting solo training maneuvers at the Curacaví Aerodrome (SCCV) in the Metropolitan Region of Chile. After completing a supervised flight with an instructor, the student proceeded to perform two solo circuit transitions on runway 10. During the first circuit, the pilot attempted to land but failed to maintain a stabilized approach.
To avoid a bounce upon touchdown, the pilot performed an elongated flare. This resulted in the aircraft touching down approximately 140 meters before the end of the runway. Upon landing, the pilot applied braking, but the aircraft began to veer toward the left side of the runway. As the aircraft exited the paved surface, the pilot applied engine power, which contributed to the continued forward motion. The aircraft eventually drifted off the left side of the runway, striking a wooden perimeter fence. The impact caused the propeller to become entangled in barbed wire and resulted in structural damage to the wings, nose gear, and fuselage. The pilot was uninjured, and the aircraft sustained significant damage.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the aircraft, the site of the occurrence, and the flight records. The investigation included a review of the Garmin 1000 flight data, which confirmed that the aircraft was still at an altitude of 670 feet and descending at 50 feet per minute just 140 meters before the runway end, corroborating the report of an unstable approach. The data also revealed that the engine RPM was at 5,241 during the excursion, indicating that power was applied after the aircraft left the runway.
Physical inspections of the Bristell S-LSA revealed dents and skin deformation on the leading edges of both wings, damage to the nose gear, and a broken landing light lens. The investigation also confirmed that the aircraft's maintenance records were up to date and that the engine and flight controls were in good working order. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were reported as Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) with calm winds.
Findings
- The pilot performed an elongated flare to prevent a bounce, which led to a late touchdown in the final third of the runway.
- The pilot failed to execute a go-around despite the approach being unstabilized and the touchdown occurring late on the runway, contrary to the flight school's standard operating procedures.
- The application of engine power after the aircraft exited the runway acted as a contributing factor to the excursion.
- The aircraft's weight and balance were within safe limits for the operation.
- There were no mechanical or maintenance-related failures that contributed to the accident.