What happened
On February 14, 2009, a Cessna 172G, registration OB-1093, was performing a series of rejected takeoff attempts at Las Dunas Aerodrome in Ica, Peru. The aircraft, operated by Travel Air, was carrying a pilot and two passengers (aircraft mechanics) for a scheduled check flight.
During the first takeoff attempt, as the aircraft reached a speed between 50 and 55 mph, the pilot experienced a sudden vertical lift in the tail and a total loss of directional control. The aircraft veered toward the right side of the runway, striking the left wing tip and the engine cowling. The nose gear collapsed upon impact with the terrain, causing the aircraft to slide approximately 40 meters from the runway head. The pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation focused on the mechanical integrity of the flight control systems and maintenance records. Laboratory analysis conducted by Cessna in Wichita, Kansas, examined the rudder control cables. The investigation established that the left posterior rudder control cable had snapped due to tension overload. Furthermore, the inspection revealed that several strands of the remaining intact cables showed significant wear and breakage that exceeded the limits specified in the manufacturer's maintenance manual.
Findings
- The primary cause of the loss of control was the sudden breakage of the rudder control cable.
- Contributing factors included the high airspeed of the aircraft at the moment of the cable failure and the prevailing wind conditions at the time of the accident.
- Maintenance of the rudder control cables had not been fully completed in accordance with the Cessna Service Manual.
- The aircraft's nose gear sustained heavy damage due to the impact with the ground following the excursion.