What happened
On February 21, 2021, a Piper Seneca II PA-34-200T, registration OB-1564, operated by Servicios Aéreos Tarapoto E.I.R.L. - SAETA, was conducting an aeromedical evacuation flight from Pucallpa to Puerto Esperanza. The flight was intended to be a visual flight rules (VFR) operation to collect a patient.
As the pilot approached runway 07 at Puerto Esperanza, weather conditions deteriorated, with increasing rainfall and strong southeasterly winds. The pilot observed reduced visibility due to the rain and decided to proceed with the landing. During the landing roll, the aircraft began drifting toward the left side of the runway. Despite attempts to correct the deviation using the right rudder, the left landing gear left the paved surface, causing the aircraft to veer into the adjacent vegetation. The pilot shut down the engines and electrical systems immediately after the nose gear separated. The pilot exited the aircraft without injury, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a broken nose gear, ventral fuselage impact, and propeller strikes on both engines.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation established that the aircraft was airworthy, properly maintained, and within weight and balance limits at the time of the accident. The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making and the operational environment at Puerto Esperanza Airport. Investigators noted that the airport lacked an automated weather observation system (AWOS), wind socks, and adequate runway markings. Furthermore, the airport lacked air traffic services, meaning the pilot had no real-time information regarding the intensity of the wind or the state of the runway surface prior to touchdown.
Findings
- The primary cause was the loss of situational awareness by the pilot, who became distracted by environmental factors, reducing his ability to execute a go-around despite the unstable approach and deteriorating weather.
- The pilot attempted to land despite unfavorable meteorological conditions, including heavy rain and crosswinds.
- The lack of updated meteorological information at Puerto Esperanza prevented the pilot from knowing the true intensity of the wind and rain.
- Poor runway markings and the absence of wind direction indicators (wind socks) contributed to the difficulty in maintaining directional control.
- The approach was likely unstable due to the pilot's inability to manage the changing environmental threats.