What happened
On January 26, 2015, a Cessna 207A, registration OB-1936-P, operated by Air Majoro, was performing a commercial flight from Atalaya to Pucallpa. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and four passengers. During the final approach to runway 02 at Cap FAP David Abenzur Rengifo Airport, at an altitude of approximately 1,500 feet and 1.5 nautical miles from the threshold, the pilot observed a bird flying upward toward the aircraft. The pilot attempted an evasive maneuver, but the bird struck the right wing leading edge. Despite the impact, the pilot maintained control and landed the aircraft safely without further difficulty. There were no injuries to the occupants.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the bird strike and the environmental factors contributing to bird presence near the airport. Investigators identified five unauthorized landfills located around the airport perimeter, two of which were situated directly under the aircraft's descent path for runway 02. These landfills contained exposed plastic bags and waste, which served as food sources for various species of birds, including birds of prey. While the specific species of the bird involved in the strike could not be identified because no feathers or biological remains were found on the aircraft, the investigation established a direct link between the unmanaged waste and the high concentration of wildlife in the approach area.
Findings
- The CessNA 207A sustained significant damage to the right wing leading edge, specifically involving the breakage and denting of the skin between stations 71.97 and 85.62, though the ribs and forward spar remained intact.
- The primary cause of the incident was a bird strike occurring during the final approach phase.
- The presence of illegal, unmanaged landfills near the airport acted as a major contributing factor by attracting a large diversity of birds to the flight path.
- The lack of municipal control over these waste sites created an imminent operational hazard for aviation safety in the area.