What happened
On December 19, 2013, at 16:57 UTC, a Cessna 172 RG, registration HK-2718, was performing a non-scheduled commercial passenger flight from the Villa Fátima indigenous community to the Alberto León Bentley Airport in Mitú, Colombia. The aircraft was operated by Transportes Aéreos del Ariari.
Following takeoff from runway 30, the aircraft experienced a loss of lift and struck trees approximately 330 meters from the runway threshold. The impact occurred at a low angle and low speed. The pilot and two passengers were able to evacuate the aircraft on their own; all three individuals remained uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the nose and main landing gear, as well as dents to the wings and elevator, but no fire occurred.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, engine condition, and the pilot's operational procedures. While the pilot estimated the weight and balance due to the lack of a scale at the departure site, no official weight and balance manifest was available for review. However, investigators calculated that the estimated takeoff weight was likely within safe operational parameters.
A technical inspection of the Continental IO-360KB engine revealed no mechanical failures or anomalies that would have caused an engine shutdown. GPS data indicated the aircraft was at an altitude of 82 feet and traveling at 39 knots as it passed the runway threshold. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's use of a short-field takeoff technique, which involved using full power, brakes, and 10 degrees of flaps.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of lift resulting from an insufficient rotation speed during a short-field takeoff maneuver.
- The pilot failed to rotate the aircraft at the speed established by the manufacturer's performance charts.
- There was a lack of proper flight planning, specifically regarding the verification of performance charts for short-field operations.
- The pilot demonstrated a lack of knowledge regarding basic aerodynamic principles and the correct application of takeoff techniques.
- Organizational deficiencies were noted, including inadequate supervision by the operator and the aviation authority regarding the verification of performance data during flight planning and pilot check-rides.