What happened
On January 21, 2015, a Cessna 182Q, registration HK2127, was conducting a scheduled training flight involving touch-and-go maneuvers at José María Córdoba Airport (SKRG) in Rionegro, Colombia. The flight originated from Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport (SKMD) for aerial photography training purposes.
During the approach to runway 01, the pilot executed a touch-and-go maneuver. While the initial touchdown was normal, the aircraft failed to achieve optimal aerodynamic performance during the subsequent takeoff attempt. The pilot attempted to manage the aircraft by reducing power and extending full flaps; however, the aircraft entered an unstable pattern of oscillations. This led to a series of uncontrolled bounces on the runway surface. The aircraft eventually exited the runway through the safety area near the end of runway 19, where it experienced four successive impacts. The sequence concluded with a dynamic rollover, leaving the aircraft inverted. There were two injuries (both minor) among the three occupants, and no post-incident fire occurred.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, flight logs, and GPS tracks to reconstruct the flight path. Investigators analyzed the engine and propeller performance, finding that the powerplant operated normally throughout the event. The investigation also utilized the SHELL model to evaluate human factors, specifically looking at the interactions between the crew, the aircraft, and the organizational environment.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was unstable flight technique during the touch-and-go maneuver, characterized by an abnormal contact with the runway that triggered successive bounces.
- The pilot likely experienced Pilot-Induced Oscillations (PIO), leading to an unstable approach and an inability to maintain sufficient airspeed and altitude for a safe takeoff.
- Organizational deficiencies were identified regarding the operator's personnel selection and hiring processes, specifically regarding the lack of formal employment contracts for the pilot at the time of the incident.
- The pilot lacked the specific authorization required for aerial photography operations, despite holding a valid commercial pilot license.
- The aircraft suffered significant structural damage, including the separation of the nose gear, deformation of the propeller and spinner, and damage to the wingtips and vertical stabilizer.