What happened
On July 9, 2021, a Cessna U206G was conducting a non-scheduled passenger transport flight from Isla Mocha Aerodrome (SCIM) to Lequecahue Aerodrome (SCQK) in the Biobío Region of Chile. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and four passengers.
During the approach to runway 36, the aircraft touched down approximately halfway down the runway. Due to the wet condition of the pavement following morning rainfall, the pilot was unable to achieve effective braking. In an attempt to recover from the long landing roll, the pilot initiated a go-around maneuver. However, the decision to climb was made too late, leaving insufficient runway remaining to clear the aerodrome's perimeter fence. The aircraft's nose gear struck the fence, causing the plane to veer off the runway and crash into nearby vegetation approximately 170 meters north of the aerodrome.
While the pilot and three passengers escaped with minor injuries, one passenger sustained serious injuries and later passed away 50 days after the accident.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the aircraft, the runway conditions, and the pilot's actions. The investigation reviewed the aerodrome's aeronautical information (AIP Chile), which explicitly warns that runways 18/36 at SCQK can become slippery when wet.
Investigators compared the pilot's account of the touchdown point with testimonies from passengers and ground witnesses. While the pilot claimed the touchdown occurred 60 meters from the threshold, witnesses placed the contact at the midpoint of the runway. Furthermore, the investigation found that the pilot did not perform a reconnaissance pass, a procedure required by the operator's manual to check for obstacles or runway conditions.
Findings
- The pilot performed an unstabilized approach to runway 36.
- The pilot failed to adhere to the operator's manual, which prohibited the use of the runway while it was in a wet condition.
- The pilot did not conduct a required runway inspection pass prior to landing.
- The go-around maneuver was initiated too late, providing insufficient distance to clear the perimeter fence.
- The wet runway surface contributed to a lack of effective braking, extending the landing roll.
Safety action
- The investigation recommends that general aviation pilots prioritize stabilized approaches and strictly adhere to aircraft performance limitations.
- It is advised that flight planning must include a thorough assessment of destination runway conditions and the identification of suitable alternatives.
- The operator is encouraged to instruct crews on strict compliance with operational manuals, particularly regarding non-scheduled passenger transport.
- The investigation suggests exploring the implementation of Approach Landing Accident Reduction (ALAR) workshops for operators.