What happened
On May 4, 2015, a Cessna C-U2/206G Stationair, registration OB-1247, operated by Aero Palcazu S.A.C., was performing a tourist flight over the Nasca Lines when it crashed near the María Reiche Neuman Airport in Nasca, Peru.
During the landing phase on runway 25, a student pilot executed a hard touchdown, triggering a series of bounces on the runway. The instructor pilot took control and initiated a go-around by applying full power. As the aircraft climbed, the crew retracted the flaps from 40° to 10°. This maneuver caused a sudden loss of lift, leading to a loss of control in flight. The aircraft descended into overhead power lines, struck a wooden pole with the right wing, and ultimately crashed onto the Pan-American Highway. The impact caused the engine and propeller to separate from the fuselage and resulted in significant structural damage to the wings and landing gear.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, flight crew experience, and the sequence of events via airport video footage. Investigators confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy and that the engine and propeller were in operable condition prior to the impact. The investigation also reviewed the flight crew's licenses and training, finding both the instructor and student pilot to be properly certified for the operation.
Findings
- The initial approach was destabilized, likely due to excessive airspeed, which led to the hard contact and subsequent bounces.
- The crew failed to execute a timely go-around (missed approach) to abandon the unstable approach.
- The primary cause was the loss of lift resulting from the improper retraction of flaps from 40° to 10° at a very low altitude during the go-around.
- The aircraft's flight manuals lacked specific procedures for managing bounced landings or stabilized approach criteria.