What happened
On August 31, 2008, at approximately 08:46 AM, a Cessna A-188, registration N-85912, was performing its sixth flight of the day at María Montes International Airport in Barahona, Dominican Republic. The aircraft, operated by a private entity for the purpose of applying solid fertilizer, was in the middle of its takeoff roll when the pilot experienced intense vibrations in the tail section.
As the aircraft reached a speed of approximately 35 knots, it began to veer toward the left. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation using the rudder pedals and applied the brakes, but the aircraft failed to respond to the braking input. The pilot subsequently reduced engine power, causing the aircraft to swing sharply to the right. The aircraft exited the runway and came to a stop approximately 20 meters from the runway centerline. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained significant damage, including a broken tail skid base, a damaged right main landing gear, and a broken landing gear rim.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the tail assembly and the maintenance history of the aircraft. Investigators examined the wreckage, performed post-accident inspections of the components, and interviewed the pilot and the maintenance technician.
Technical analysis revealed that a repair performed on July 2, 2008, involved the installation of a modified tail skid. The original part required a one-inch diameter, but the installed part had a diameter of one and one-eighth inches. To facilitate this fit, a bronze bushing was used to adapt the support. The investigation also identified advanced internal and external corrosion on the tail skid support.
Findings
- The primary cause of the event was the failure of the tail skid support due to advanced corrosion and the use of non-standard components.
- The maintenance technician installed a bogus part (a non-authentic component) that did not meet manufacturer specifications.
- The repair utilized a bronze bushing, which is a non-certified material for this aviation application.
- The aircraft lacked an effective maintenance program.
Safety action
- The CIAA recommended that the Instituto Dominicano de Aviación Civil (IDAC) implement more effective oversight of maintenance work performed on agricultural aircraft to prevent the use of unauthorized parts and ensure all repairs comply with current regulations.