What happened
On February 15, 2024, at 17:40 local time, an experimental JWWILSON/PAYNE CA10 aircraft was performing a skydiving operation at the Villarrica Aerodrome (SCVI) in the Araucaya Region of Chile. The aircraft, carrying a pilot and seven skydivers, departed from runway 15 with the intention of conducting jumps over the banks of Lake Villarrica.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft veered off the runway and impacted a mound of earth and vegetation located 114 meters beyond the end of the runway. Despite the impact, the pilot and all seven passengers were able to evacuate the aircraft on their own. There were no injuries reported among the eight occupants.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the wreckage and the operational conditions at the time of the accident. The inspection of the JWWILSON/PAYNE CA10 revealed significant structural damage. The left wing's fuel tank was ruptured, causing a leak, and the engine's starter generator was torn from its mounting flange. The propeller sustained damage, with two of the three blades bent backward and the third blade showing material loss at the tip. Additionally, the landing gear suffered severe deformation, with both main gear legs bent backward and the nose gear also pushed back.
Meteorological data indicated clear skies and temperatures between 26°C and 32°C at the time of the event. Winds in the area were recorded from the southwest and west at speeds between 7.4 km/h and 14.8 km/h. The aircraft's takeoff weight was calculated at 5,448 lb, well within its maximum certified takeoff weight of 6,200 lb.
Findings
- The aircraft struck an earthen mound 114 meters past the runway limit.
- The impact caused extensive damage to the airframe, including a ruptured wing fuel tank and a deformed landing gear assembly.
- The engine's starter generator was detached from its support due to the force of the impact.
- The propeller blades were bent and suffered material loss following the collision.