Accident Overview
On 28 September 2023, at 19:17 local time, a Cessna 172N aircraft, operated by a private pilot with one passenger (also a licensed private pilot) aboard, overran runway 28 at Peumo Aerodrome (SCPW), in the commune of Peumo, Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins Region, Chile. The aircraft sustained damage, while both occupants were uninjured.
Sequence of Events
The flight originated from La Independencia Aerodrome (SCRG) in Rancagua as a local recreational flight, with the intention of performing a touch-and-go landing at Peumo. The pilot initially conducted a flyover of the runway and aborted the first approach to runway 28 due to being too high. After a second circuit and approach, the pilot aimed to execute a touch-and-go. During the flare, the pilot reported being blinded by the sun's position, losing visual references. As a result, the aircraft touched down at the end of the first third of the runway.
Consequently, the pilot decided to abort the touch-and-go and perform a full-stop landing. However, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining runway length and overran the end of runway 28, eventually impacting an orange tree.
Aircraft and Crew
The aircraft was a Cessna 172N, a single-engine high-wing monoplane. The pilot held a private pilot license. The passenger also held a private pilot license. No injuries were sustained by either individual.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage, with the right wing showing multiple deformations in the upper and lower skin near the wing root.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined the probable cause was a loss of visual reference during final approach due to sun glare, resulting in a long landing and runway overrun. A contributing factor was the pilot's decision to change the planned touch-and-go to a full-stop landing after touchdown.