Cessna 182 Overturns Following Runway Incursions at Las Flores Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • Plato, CO

A Cessna 182 F overturned after the pilot performed emergency maneuvers to avoid a motorcyclist and pedestrians on the runway in Plato, Colombia.

What happened

On July 4, 2013, a Cessna 182 F, registration HK-3844, was performing a non-scheduled commercial flight from Barranquilla to Plato, Magdalena. Upon arrival at the Las Flores Aerodrome, the pilot conducted a 360-degree overflight to inspect the runway, as the airfield is uncontrolled.

During the landing roll on runway 17, a motorcyclist suddenly entered the runway perpendicularly from the right. The pilot executed an evasive maneuver to the left to avoid the vehicle. Immediately following this, three minors ran onto the runway from the left side. In an attempt to avoid the children, the pilot turned to the right, which resulted in a loss of directional control. The aircraft exited the runway on the right side, struck a wooden and cardboard structure, and underwent a dynamic rollover near the head of runway 35. The pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries and evacuated the aircraft on their own.

The investigation

The GRIAA investigation focused on the sequence of events following touchdown and the infrastructure of the Las Flores Aerodrome. Investigators examined the pilot's flight history, maintenance records, and the airfield's physical characteristics. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was fully qualified, experienced, and had performed all necessary arrival procedures, including the safety overflight. The investigation also reviewed the lack of perimeter fencing at the aerodrome and the presence of obstacles within the runway safety area.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was a runway incursion involving a motorcyclist and three pedestrians, which forced the pilot into successive emergency maneuvers.
  • The Las Flores Aerodrome lacked proper perimeter fencing as required by ICAO Annex 14 and Colombian Aeronautical Regulations (RAC), which failed to prevent unauthorized persons and vehicles from entering the movement area.
  • The runway safety area contained obstacles that posed a significant hazard to flight operations.
  • The aircraft sustained severe structural damage to the fuselage, wings, and empennage, and the engine suffered a sudden stoppage.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a runway incursion by a motorcyclist and three minors during the landing roll, necessitating evasive maneuvers that led to a loss of control and subsequent impact with a structure and aircraft rollover.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-07-04 182F accident near Plato, CO?

A Cessna 182 F overturned after the pilot performed emergency maneuvers to avoid a motorcyclist and pedestrians on the runway in Plato, Colombia.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-07-04 involved a 182F, registration HK3844, at Plato, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a runway incursion by a motorcyclist and three minors during the landing roll, necessitating evasive maneuvers that led to a loss of control and subsequent impact with a structure and aircraft rollover.

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