Incident Overview
On 25 February 2024, at Pichilemu Aerodrome (SCPM) in the Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins Region, Chile, a serious incident occurred involving two Cessna aircraft during a popular flight event. A Cessna 172M, registration CC-KRF, operated by the Rancagua Aero Club, was taking off from runway 04 with a pilot and three passengers. A Cessna 172L, registration CC-DEW, operated by the Quillota Aero Club, entered the active runway perpendicularly, resulting in a ground collision.
Sequence of Events
At approximately 16:00 local time, the Cessna 172M (Aircraft No. 1) began its takeoff roll from runway 04. Shortly after, a pilot assisting from the ground reported that the runway was clear via frequency 118.2 MHz. However, during the takeoff roll, after covering about one-third of the runway, the Cessna 172L (Aircraft No. 2), piloted by a commercial pilot with a passenger, entered the runway from the side, crossing the path of the departing aircraft. The pilot of Aircraft No. 1 attempted to avoid a collision by steering to the right. At the point of rotation, the left wing of Aircraft No. 1 struck the right wing of Aircraft No. 2.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries were sustained by any of the four occupants (pilot and three passengers) of Aircraft No. 1, nor by the two occupants (pilot and one passenger) of Aircraft No. 2. Both aircraft suffered damage: Aircraft No. 1 had scrapes and damage to the left wing's leading edge and lower surface; Aircraft No. 2 had structural deformation and scraping marks on the right wing's upper surface, including the navigation light and leading edge.
Aircraft Information
Both aircraft were Cessna 172 models. Aircraft No. 1 was a 172M (CC-KRF) owned and operated by the Rancagua Aero Club. Aircraft No. 2 was a 172L (CC-DEW) owned and operated by the Quillota Aero Club. Both pilots held commercial pilot licenses.
Classification
The investigation classified the event as a serious incident involving a runway incursion (RI) and ground collision (GCOL).