What happened
On 17 April 2022, a Cessna A185F operated by Agni Aero Sports Adventure Academy Private Limited was performing local skydiving sorties at Jakkur Aerodrome. Following a series of successful landings, the aircraft touched down on runway 08 at approximately 1212 UTC.
During the landing roll, the pilot observed birds on the left side of the runway and steered the aircraft to the right to avoid a potential strike. However, the pilot then encountered stray dogs approaching from the right side. In an instinctive attempt to avoid the animals, the pilot applied left rudder and left braking. This maneuver caused the aircraft to veer sharply to the left. As the aircraft exited the paved surface, the left main wheel encountered a soggy, uneven runway shoulder. The simultaneous braking effect of the wheels caused the aircraft to lose stability and topple onto its side. Both the pilot and the passenger escaped without injury, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
The investigation by AAIB India examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's qualifications, and the operational procedures of the academy. Investigators reviewed the aircraft's airworthiness status, finding all certificates and maintenance requirements to be valid and up to date.
The inquiry also scrutinized the pilot's experience, noting that while the pilot was highly experienced in larger jet aircraft, he had only approximately 35 hours of flight time on this specific conventional landing gear type. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the aerodrome's perimeter security and the presence of wildlife near the active runway.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the vicious control inputs made by the pilot to avoid stray animals, which led to an unrecoverable deviation from the runway.
- The pilot did not meet the minimum 100-hour experience requirement on this aircraft type for aerial work operations.
- The crew exceeded the maximum number of permitted landings for a single-pilot operation on that day, performing 16 landings instead of the regulated limit of 8.
- The operator had carried a passenger on an aerial work flight without obtaining the required prior approval from the DGCA.
- A gap in the aerodrome's perimeter wall allowed for the potential entry of stray animals into the operational area.
- The operator's manual contained outdated guidelines based on US regulations rather than local requirements.
Safety action
- The DGCA is advised to instruct the aerodrome operator to secure the broken perimeter wall and implement measures to manage bird activity.
- The regulator should ensure the aircraft operator updates its Operations Manual to comply with current Civil Aviation Requirements.
- An audit of Jakkur Aerodrome is recommended to address identified safety discrepancies.