What happened
On December 4, 2021, a flight instructor and a student pilot were participating in a multi-aircraft cross-country event known as the "Raid Valdivia 2021." While approaching runway 17 at the Las Marías Aerodrome (SCVL) in Valdivia, the Diamond DA20-C1, registration CC-XXX (not provided in source, but aircraft is a DA20-C1), made contact with the terrain 17 meters before reaching the runway threshold. The impact caused significant damage to the aircraft's fuselage, wings, landing gear, and flaps, but both occupants escaped without injury.
The investigation
DGAC Chile examined the flight logs, maintenance records, and meteorological data surrounding the event. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was properly maintained and that both the instructor and the student held valid licenses. Meteorological analysis revealed that the area was experiencing southeast winds of approximately 15 knots and downward air currents (downdrafts) at the time of the approach. The investigation also noted that the crew had not communicated with the air traffic controller prior to the landing, and the controller only became aware of the aircraft's presence as it was already stopped near the threshold.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a short landing and contact with the ground outside of the runway.
- The aircraft was operating in an unstabilized approach condition.
- The flight instructor failed to take timely corrective action to manage the aircraft's configuration and flight path during the approach.
- Local meteorological conditions, specifically downward air movements and wind, contributed to the difficulty of the maneuver.