Accident Overview
On March 21, 2024, at 16:45 local time, a Cessna T303 aircraft was taxiing to runway 19 at Aeródromo Eulogio Sánchez (SCTB) in Santiago, Chile. While the pilot performed a brake test, the aircraft deviated to the right, impacting a hangar on taxiway Golf. The pilot and the four passengers aboard sustained no injuries.
Aircraft and Crew
The aircraft, a Cessna T303 manufactured in 1982 with serial number T30300108, was powered by two Continental TSIO-520-AE engines. It was equipped with McCauley propellers and had a total fuel capacity of 155 US gallons; on board were 140 US gallons of 100LL aviation gasoline.
The pilot, a 48-year-old Chilean national, held a Private Pilot License with single- and multi-engine land ratings and a valid medical certificate. His total flight experience was 217 hours 48 minutes, with 139 hours 12 minutes on the Cessna T303. He had flown 13 hours 50 minutes in the 90 days prior to the accident, with no flight time in the previous 24 hours. No prior accidents or incidents were recorded.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to the forward fuselage (nose) and the right wing tip. The hangar suffered damage to its lateral wall. No skid marks or hydraulic fluid traces were observed on the taxiway.
Investigation
An inspection of the aircraft's nose wheel steering system revealed no abnormalities. However, during a brake system check, the left brake failed to hold pressure. Weather conditions at the time were suitable for visual meteorological conditions (VMC). The investigation is ongoing, and the final report is pending.