What happened
On March 10, 2009, a Cessna 172G, registration OB-794, operated by Aero Servicios Santos S.A., was conducting a check flight following maintenance inspections. The flight began at the Maria Reiche Neuman aerodrome in Nazca, Peru. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power at approximately 400 feet, forcing the pilot to perform an emergency landing in a nearby field.
Following the initial incident, the aircraft was moved to an abandoned landing strip known as "El Barraco." After functional tests were performed by maintenance personnel and the engine appeared to be operating correctly, the pilot decided to proceed with a ferry flight back to the Nazca aerodrome. However, during this second departure, the engine failed again at an altitude of approximately 700 feet. The pilot attempted a left turn to return to the field, but the aircraft struck the ground multiple times. The nose gear collapsed upon hitting a sand mound, causing the aircraft to capsize and come to rest in an inverted position.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation examined the sequence of events, the mechanical state of the aircraft, and the human factors involved. Investigators reviewed the maintenance history, noting the aircraft had recently undergone inspections. The investigation also looked into the pilot's actions, including the failure to use flaps during emergency landings and the lack of communication with the control tower. The investigation also noted that the pilot had undergone a sobriety test following the first incident, which returned a negative result.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the inadequate execution of the emergency landing maneuver, driven by the psychological overload of the crew.
- A significant contributing factor was the engine power loss experienced during both the initial check flight and the subsequent ferry flight.
- The pilot experienced high levels of emotional stress following the first forced landing and the subsequent police intervention.
- There was a lack of proper communication between the pilot and the flight mechanic during the flight.
- The pilot failed to perform a detailed pre-takeoff briefing regarding engine failure procedures.
- The pilot did not utilize the flaps as recommended in the emergency procedures for forced landings.
- The aircraft departed the secondary field without the presence of dedicated emergency rescue units.