What happened
On September 9, 2024, at 11:07 local time, a Bombardier DHC-8-402 was performing a non-scheduled passenger flight from Presidente Carlos Ibá plane Ibáñez del Campo Airport (SCCI) to Guardiamarina Zañartu Aerodrome (SCGZ) in Puerto Williams, Chile. The aircraft was carrying 68 passengers and 8 crew members.
During the landing on runway 26, the pilot experienced a heavy touchdown. Upon contact with the runway, the aircraft's tail strike indicator light activated. While the crew did not immediately perceive any abnormal flight characteristics other than the hard impact, a subsequent inspection revealed that the lower section of the tail, located beneath the cargo compartments, had struck the runway surface.
All 76 occupants of the aircraft remained uninjured, though the aircraft sustained significant structural damage.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the aircraft at the scene and at the boarding platform. The inspection of the Bombardier DHC-8-402 identified damage to the lower central fuselage skin under the cargo area, characterized by wear, deformation, fractures, and sheared rivets. Internal inspections of the cargo holds revealed that longitudinal members and frames also suffered fractures and deformation.
The investigation also noted that the tail strike sensor was destroyed due to the impact and subsequent dragging of the fuselage. Meteorological data indicated that at the time of the event, the area was experiencing cyclonic conditions, which had increased wind speeds in the Magallanes region. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's maintenance records were up to date, with a daily check completed just three days prior to the accident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the event was a tail strike resulting from a hard landing on runway 26.
- The impact caused structural damage to the lower fuselage skin and internal structural components (frames and stringers) under the cargo compartment.
- The tail strike sensor was rendered inoperable by the impact.
- Meteorological conditions at the time included increased winds due to cyclonic activity in the region.