What happened
On July 13, 2013, a Cessna C-402 operated by Aeroexpreso del Pacifico S.A. was performing a scheduled air taxi flight from Buenaventura to Pizarro, Chocó. The aircraft was carrying two crew members, seven adult passengers, and two children.
During the final approach to runway 33, the pilot experienced difficulty maintaining the aircraft's attitude and the runway centerline. To prevent a total loss of control, the pilot applied increased power during the final stages of the approach. This resulted in an unstable landing configuration. Upon touchdown and subsequent braking, the crew was unable to maintain the runway centerline, causing the aircraft to veer toward the right side of the runway. The aircraft exited the paved surface and entered the safety area, where the right main gear encountered muddy terrain, causing an abrupt change in direction. The aircraft came to a stop approximately 5 and 50 meters beyond the runway end, having deviated roughly 60 degrees from the centerline. All 11 occupants evacuated the aircraft unharmed.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation examined the flight records, aircraft maintenance history, and crew training credentials. The investigation focused on the flight dynamics during the landing phase and the adherence to manufacturer procedures. Investigators reviewed the pilot's use of power during the approach and the decision-making process regarding the unstable approach. The investigation also assessed the infrastructure of the Pizarro Aerodrome, noting the lack of windsock, runway lighting, and updated meteorological information.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the loss of control on the ground resulting from improper landing and ground handling techniques.
- The crew executed an unstabilized approach, failing to consider a go-around despite the loss of control during the descent.
- The landing procedure deviated from the manufacturer's manual, which advises reducing power carefully and maintaining specific flap settings to avoid heavy landings.
- The aircraft sustained minor damage to the nose gear doors and the lower fuselage skin due to the impact with the muddy terrain.
- The Pizarro Aerodrome lacked essential safety infrastructure, including a windsock and runway edge lighting.
- The crew acted decisively by shutting down engines and fuel systems immediately upon realizing the imminent excursion.