What happened
On January 12, 2021, a commercial pilot was performing a touch-and-go maneuver at the Víctor Lafón Aerodrome (SCSF) in San Felipe, Chile. The flight, which began from Santiago, was intended as a recreational flight over the San Felipe and Los Andes areas.
Upon touching down on runway 34 at approximately 80 MPH, the pilot reduced engine power, causing the tailwheel to make contact with the pavement. During this phase, the aircraft began to deviate to the right, followed by a correction to the left, eventually entering a 180-degree ground loop. The lateral forces generated during this uncontrolled turn caused the left main landing gear to collapse. Consequently, the left wing and propeller struck the runway surface, bringing the aircraft to a halt. The pilot and one passenger were uninjured, though the aircraft sustained significant damage.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the aircraft, the runway, and the pilot's actions. The investigation confirmed that the Cessna 180A was fully compliant with all maintenance requirements, with the most recent 100-hour and annual inspections completed shortly before the event. The engine, propeller, and flight controls were found to be in good operational condition, and the fuel was verified as standard AVGAS 100LL.
Investigators analyzed the runway markings and tire tracks, which corroborated the pilot's account of the aircraft's path. The inspection of the aircraft revealed that the left propeller blades were deformed, the left wing and aileron suffered structural damage and broken rivets, and the left landing gear leg was deformed. Furthermore, the investigation found that the pilot applied the brakes abruptly to stop the aircraft from hitting a perimeter fence, which caused the nose to pitch forward and the propeller to strike the asphalt.
Findings
- The pilot's delayed reaction in using the rudder pedals prevented effective directional control during the transition to tailwheel configuration.
- The pilot performed overcorrections while attempting to maintain the aircraft's centerline on the runway.
- The application of excessive braking force caused the aircraft to pitch forward, leading to the propeller impact.
- There were no mechanical or technical failures contributing to the loss of control.
Safety action
- Operators of tailwheel aircraft should increase control measures and training regarding landing techniques and the specific risks of ground loops.
- Particular attention should be paid to directional control techniques and the effects of ground friction on aircraft with a center of gravity located behind the main wheels.