What happened
On July 10, 2022, a Cessna 172RG II, registration N9915B, was performing a private flight from Santiago's Cibao International Airport (MDST) to Puerto Plata's Gregorio Luperón International Airport (MDPP). Upon completing the landing sequence, the aircraft's nose gear collapsed. The impact caused the aircraft to come to a halt only a few meters from its initial touchdown point.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation focused on the operational aspects, human performance, and airworthiness of the aircraft. The investigation established that the nose gear failed shortly after the wheels made contact with the runway at the destination airport.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained significant damage, including the partial destruction of the propellers, damage to both nose gear covers, and a sudden engine stoppage.
- The nose gear collapse was the primary factor in the aircraft's excursion and subsequent damage.
- The pilot on board was uninjured during the event.