What happened
On October 19, 2011, a Cessna A188B, registration N8130G, was engaged in agricultural spraying operations over sugarcane plantations in Batey 4, Bahoruco, Dominican Republic. After completing a 45-minute flight to apply herbicide, the pilot landed at the local airfield, which consists of a 900-meter compacted aggregate runway.
While taxiing approximately 300 meters from the runway head, the pilot attempted a turn to return to the previous landing heading. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a skid on the left main landing gear. The force of the skid caused the left gear to collapse inward, subsequently forcing the left wing to strike the earthen embankment (talud) on the right side of the runway. The pilot was uninjured, and the aircraft sustained minor damage, including a bent landing gear, wingtip damage, and surface deformation on the left wing.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation examined the aircraft' and the runway surface. Investigators noted that the aircraft had been moved from the scene and fuel had been drained prior to the commission's authorization. Additionally, the left-wing spraying system had been removed by operators before the investigation began.
Technical analysis of the runway surface revealed tire marks indicating that the turn was executed at a high rate of speed. The investigation also found evidence of similar high-speed maneuvers previously performed on the same surface. A mechanical inspection of the braking system, including the hydraulic lines, pads, and discs, confirmed that the brakes were in optimal working condition and had not failed.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was human error, specifically the pilot performing a turn at a speed far exceeding standard taxiing procedures (which should be at a walking pace).
- The high-speed maneuver caused the left landing gear to buckle and the wing to impact the runway embankment.
- The aircraft's maintenance records were up to date, and the aircraft was in an airworthy condition at the time of the event.
- Weather conditions at the time of the incident were favorable, with calm winds and high visibility.