What happened
On July 14, 2005, a PIPER PA-300T, registration OB-1564, operated by SAETA EIRL, was performing a flight from Tarapoto to Yurimaguas. The aircraft was flying under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) and was not carrying passengers or cargo at the time of the incident.
During the approach to runway 09 at Moisés Benzaquén Rengifo Airport, the pilot was distracted by vultures crossing the flight path. While maneuvering to avoid the birds, the pilot failed to complete the required checklist. During the final stages of the approach, the pilot observed pedestrians (students) near the runway and subsequently noticed that the landing gear indicator lights were off and the gear selector lever was in the "UP" position.
Upon touchdown, the pilot heard a scraping noise from the rear of the aircraft. The pilot immediately executed a go-around, applying power to climb away. A second approach was performed with the landing gear properly extended, and the aircraft landed safely at 19:01 UTC. An inspection revealed that the tips of the propeller blades on both engines had been damaged, with some sections chipped or bent, and there was minor scraping on the ADF antenna and the passenger access step.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation examined the flight sequence, the aircraft's maintenance records, and the environmental conditions at the aerodrome. The investigation noted that the pilot's checklist was deteriorated, making certain procedures difficult to read. The investigation also looked into the presence of wildlife and unauthorized personnel on the airfield. Notably, the investigation could not test the landing gear warning horn because the system had been removed prior to the investigators' arrival, and engine/propeller functional tests were not possible as the components had been removed without authorization.
Findings
- The primary cause was the loss of situational awareness by the pilot, triggered by distractions from birds and the presence of pedestrians on the runway area.
- A contributing factor was the potential failure of the landing gear warning horn, which should activate when the gear is retracted while flaps are extended.
- The presence of birds in the approach path and the lack of perimeter control for unauthorized persons on the runway were significant environmental factors.