What happened
On February 25, 2024, during a 'Vuelos Populares' aerial event at the Pichilemu Aerodrome (SCPM) in Chile, two aircraft collided on the active runway. The first aircraft, a Cessna 172M with registration CC-KRF, was performing its takeoff roll from runway 04. As the aircraft reached approximately one-third of its takeoff distance, a second aircraft, a Cessna 172L with registration CC-DEW, entered the active runway perpendicularly.
The pilot of the Cessna 172M attempted to avoid the collision by maneuvering to the right of the runway. However, as the aircraft reached rotation, its left wing struck the right wing of the Cessna 172L. Despite the impact, the pilot of the Cessna 172M continued the takeoff and subsequently performed a circuit to land safely. The Cessna 172L, which was taxiing from a maintenance area to the parking apron, proceeded to the club apron. There were no injuries to the pilots or passengers, though both aircraft sustained structural damage to their wing surfaces.
The investigation
The DGAC Chile investigation established that the Cessena 172L was taxiing via the active runway because the aerodrome lacks taxiways. The pilot of the second aircraft had observed three other aircraft passing in front of him and subsequently broadcast his intention to enter the runway on the 118.2 MHz frequency. However, the investigation found that the pilot only received an acknowledgment from one of the aircraft in the sequence.
Simultaneously, a ground support pilot at the apron notified the frequency that the runway was clear. The pilot of the Cessna 172M relied on this information to begin the takeoff roll. The investigation examined the communications, the aircraft maintenance records, and the operational briefing provided for the event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the collision was the runway incursion by the Cessna 172L during the takeoff roll of the Cessna 172M.
- The pilot of the Cessna 172L failed to properly monitor the area or perform a right-side check before entering the active runway.
- The pilot of the Cessna 172L partially misunderstood the ongoing communications regarding the takeoff sequence of the other aircraft.
- There was a lack of effective aircraft movement control and air traffic services at the aerodrome during the event.
- The movement of the Cessna 172L (which was taxiing due to a previous tire puncture) was not adequately addressed in the operational briefing.
- The absence of taxiways at the aerodrome necessitated the use of the active runway for ground movements, increasing the risk of incursions.