On January 16, 2015, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration YV2238) operated by Chapi Air Travel was involved in an aviation accident near Los Roques, Venezuela during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft experienced a structural failure of the right main landing gear during a hard landing on the runway. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A twin-engine aircraft sustained significant damage after a hard landing and subsequent gear collapse at Los Roques Airport.
What happened
During an arrival at Los Roques Airport, a twin engine aircraft experienced a heavy impact upon touching down on runway 07. The force of the landing caused the right main landing gear to fail, which subsequently resulted in a puncture to the right wing structure. Following the gear collapse, the aircraft lost directional control and underwent a cartwheel motion across the airfield, eventually coming to a stop in the area adjacent to the runway shoulder.
Findings
The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
All 10 occupants on board were able to evacuate the wreckage without sustaining any injuries.
The primary factor in the loss of control was the collapse of the right main landing gear during the landing roll.
Probable cause
The aircraft experienced a structural failure of the right main landing gear during a hard landing on the runway.