Experimental RV-9A Sustains Substantial Damage After Hard Landing in Rio Claro

Casualties unknown • RIO CLARO, SP, BR

An experimental RV-9A aircraft experienced a nose gear failure during landing at Rio Claro Aerodrome, resulting in a ground loop and minor injuries to two occupants.

What happened

On November 21, 2021, at approximately 17:00 UTC, an experimental RV-9A, registration PU-DLD, was performing a private flight from Fazenda Campo Vitória to the Rio Claro Aerodrome (SDRK) in São Paulo, Brazil. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and one passenger.

As the aircraft crossed the threshold of runway 21, it made a heavy, abrupt contact with the ground on its nose gear. The impact caused the nose gear strut to break, leading the aircraft to skid along the runway and undergo a ground loop. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, while both the pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators examined the flight circumstances and the pilot's credentials. While the pilot held a valid medical certificate and single-engine land rating, investigators could not verify the pilot's reported flight hours in the aircraft type. Furthermore, official records indicated the pilot's last logged flight was on April 2, 2021, raising questions regarding recent flight experience and compliance with currency requirements.

Although the pilot suggested the possibility of a downburst causing the unstable approach, meteorological data from the nearby Campo Fontenelle Aerodrome (SBYS) and satellite imagery showed calm winds and no significant convective activity or weather disturbances that would support such a claim. Additionally, witnesses on the ground observed that the aircraft's approach profile was significantly higher than usual, characterizing it as an unstabilized approach.

Findings

  • The aircraft made an abrupt touchdown on the nose gear, which directly caused the structural failure of the landing gear.
  • The approach was observed by witnesses to be unstabilized, characterized by a glide path higher than normal.
  • The pilot's recent flight experience could not be verified, and there was a significant gap in flight activity since the previous recorded flight in April 2021.
  • Maintenance records for the airframe and engine were not up to date, and propeller logs were unavailable for review.
  • Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were favorable for flight, with no evidence of a downburst or significant wind shear.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an abrupt touchdown on the nose gear, likely resulting from an unstabilized approach and potentially influenced by the pilot's lack of recent flight experience.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2021-11-21 aircraft accident near RIO CLARO, SP, BR?

An experimental RV-9A aircraft experienced a nose gear failure during landing at Rio Claro Aerodrome, resulting in a ground loop and minor injuries to two occupants.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2021-11-21 involved a aircraft, registration PUDLD, at RIO CLARO, SP, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by an abrupt touchdown on the nose gear, likely resulting from an unstabilized approach and potentially influenced by the pilot's lack of recent flight experience.

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