What happened
On September 7, 2013, a Cessna 170 (registration HK430G) was conducting a local training flight at Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport in Palmira, Colombia. The flight was intended to provide operational follow-up for a pilot who had recently completed type training on the aircraft. The crew consisted of a pilot and one passenger.
After completing two successful standard left-hand circuits involving touch-and-go maneuvers, the pilot attempted a full-stop landing on runway 01. During the landing rollout, the pilot encountered a crosswind component. While attempting to maintain the aircraft on the runway centerline, the pilot applied excessive braking during the deceleration phase. This resulted in a dynamic nose-over, causing the aircraft to flip onto its back. Both occupants evacuated the aircraft uninjured.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's training history, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the incident. Investigators noted that the aircraft's engine had been upgraded to a Lycoming IO-360, and all regular maintenance inspections were up to date.
Analysis of the runway surface revealed distinct braking marks near the aircraft's final position. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience, noting that while the pilot had recently obtained a commercial license, they had only accumulated 20 hours of flight time specifically on the C170 model. Furthermore, investigators looked into the communication between the tower and the crew, noting that the controller had instructed the aircraft to vacate the runway via taxiway D as quickly as possible.
Findings
- The primary cause of the dynamic nose-over was the application of heavy braking while the tailwheel was not firmly on the ground.
- The pilot's attention was divided between managing the crosswind and responding to air traffic control instructions to expedite runway vacancy.
- A contributing factor was the pilot's limited experience in the specific aircraft type.
- There was a possibility that the crew confused taxiway C (which was closed) with taxiway D, leading to an urgent desire to decelerate quickly.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller tips and the vertical stabilizer, and the engine experienced a sudden stoppage.
Safety action
- The Aeroclub del Pacífico was recommended to issue an operational safety bulletin to members regarding the establishment of special criteria and standards for pilots transitioning between different aircraft types.