What happened
On August 18, 2024, at approximately 17:55 local time, a Cessna 210K was performing a landing at the General Bernardo O'Higgins Aerodrome (SCCH) in Chillán, Chile. The aircraft, operated by a private pilot, was returning to its home base and was executing an approach to runway 22.
During the landing roll, the aircraft made its initial contact with the runway 360 meters from the threshold of runway 22. Immediately following this initial touchdown, the aircraft began to veer toward the right side of the runway. The aircraft traveled 245 meters from the point of initial contact before exiting the paved surface and impacting a ditch located parallel to the runway. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators analyzed track marks left on the runway and the surrounding terrain to reconstruct the sequence of events. The investigation established that upon the first touchdown of the main landing gear, the aircraft experienced an immediate rightward tilt. This movement caused the right wingtip, the right horizontal stabilizer, and the lower structure of the aircraft to make contact with the ground.
Physical inspection of the Cessna 210K revealed significant structural damage, including deformed engine cowlings, a deformed tail structure, and damage to the propeller blades and nose gear doors. The investigation also noted that the right main landing gear was in a retracted position during the excursion. No evidence of fuel, oil, or hydraulic fluid leaks was found on the runway surface. The aircraft's safety harnesses were found to be in good working order, and the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) was active upon the investigators' arrival.
Findings
- The aircraft's initial touchdown occurred within the first third of the runway.
- The aircraft immediately tilted to the right upon touchdown, leading to contact between the right wingtip, the right horizontal stabilizer, and the ground.
- The right main landing gear was in a retracted position during the excursion.