What happened
On the night of January 7, 2022, a Piper PA-28-181 was conducting a local night VFR training flight departing from Aeródromo General Bernardo O'Higgins (SCCH) in Chillán, Chile. The flight, which included a private pilot, a flight instructor, and one passenger, was navigating the sectors of San Carlos, Coihueco, Bulnes, and San Nicolás.
As the aircraft returned to the aerodrome and aligned with the runway centerline for runway 22, air traffic control instructed the pilot to perform a 360-degree turn to allow another aircraft to pass. Following the completion of this maneuver, while on final approach, the aircraft struck the canopy of a tree located approximately 270 meters north of the runway threshold. Despite the impact, the aircraft managed to land safely without further incident. All three occupants escaped the aircraft without injuries.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the aircraft and the site of the impact. The investigation confirmed that the tree struck was approximately 9 meters (2/30 feet) in height. Post-impact inspections of the Piper PA-28-181 revealed several areas of damage, including dents on the leading edges of both wings and the horizontal stabilizer, as well as fractures to the nose gear fairing. Debris from the tree, including branches and leaves, was found lodged in the engine area.
Technical reviews of the aircraft's maintenance records showed that the engine, propeller, and airframe had undergone recent 50/100-hour and annual inspections in November 2021, with no discrepancies noted. Fuel samples taken from the tanks were verified as compliant AVGAS 100LL. Flight data from a tablet application used by the pilot confirmed the flight path and recorded a significant increase in the descent rate during the final approach following the 360-degree turn.
Findings
- The aircraft struck a tree canopy during the final approach phase of flight.
- The impact occurred following a 360-degree turn requested by the tower to facilitate traffic separation.
- The aircraft's descent rate increased significantly during the approach following the maneuver, as evidenced by flight tracking data.
- The aircraft was within its certified weight and center of gravity limits at the time of the event.
- All safety equipment, including seatbelts and harnesses, functioned correctly, allowing the occupants to exit the aircraft safely.