Loss of Control During Forced Landing of Cessna 180 in Colombia

Casualties unknown • Villavicencio, CO

A Cessna 180 experienced an engine failure during a passenger flight, leading to a loss of control and heavy damage during an emergency landing near Villavicencio.

What happened

On October 2, 2012, a Cessna 180, registration HK365, was operating a non-scheduled passenger flight from Puerto Inírida to Villavicencio. While cruising at 6,500 feet approximately 17 miles from Vanguardia Airport, the engine failed. The pilot attempted to restart the engine without success and subsequently decided to perform an emergency landing at the La Esmeralda airstrip, a location known to the crew.

During the approach to runway 22, the aircraft experienced a loss of lift and control. The plane struck the ground before reaching the runway perimeter fence, colliding with a fence section before sliding 43 meters across the grass. The aircraft eventually came to a stop 99 meters short of the runway threshold. The impact caused significant damage, including the separation of the left main landing gear, structural damage to the left wing, and damage to the propeller and engine cowling. The pilot and two passengers evacuated the aircraft without injury.

The investigation

The GRIAA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, the pilot's flight records, and the flight path via GPS data. The investigation noted that the aircraft had undergone significant repairs following a previous serious incident in May 2012. Investigators also reviewed the pilot's technical proficiency and adherence to emergency checklists.

Data from the onboard GPS confirmed the aircraft's descent and final glide path. However, the investigation was limited in its ability to analyze fuel samples, as the pilot had drained the fuel tanks immediately after the incident to facilitate moving the aircraft and to clear the runway for other operations.

Probable cause

The probable cause of the incident was the **loss of control and lift** during the engine-out emergency landing, resulting from the pilot's failure to maintain the airspeed and flight attitude prescribed in the manufacturer's emergency procedures.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-10-02 180 accident near Villavicencio, CO?

A Cessna 180 experienced an engine failure during a passenger flight, leading to a loss of control and heavy damage during an emergency landing near Villavicencio.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-10-02 involved a 180, registration HK365, at Villavicencio, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The probable cause of the incident was the **loss of control and lift** during the engine-out emergency landing, resulting from the pilot's failure to maintain the airspeed and flight attitude prescribed in the manufacturer's emergency procedures.

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