What happened
On February 12, 2015, at 15:27 local time, a Cessna R172-K, registration HK-2527, operated by Aerovías Regionales del Oriente (ARO LTDA), experienced a loss of control during the initial climb phase following takeoff from runway 05 at Vanguardia Airport (SKVV), Colombia. The aircraft entered an unfavorable aerodynamic condition, resulting in a high-angle, low-speed impact with the terrain approximately 500 meters from the end of runway 23.
The aircraft, which was performing a non-scheduled cargo and passenger flight to Uribe (SKUB), sustained substantial damage, including a fractured nose gear, instrument panel damage, and dented airframe components. The engine suffered a sudden stoppage upon impact. Despite the severity of the crash, the pilot and one passenger evacuated the aircraft on their own and were found to be uninjured.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation focused on the aircraft's performance and weight and balance accuracy. Investigators performed a field inspection and re-weighed the cargo on board, which included straps, a press, and floor tiles. While the operator's flight manifest indicated a total weight of 2,522.9 lbs, the investigators' recalculation revealed a total weight of 2,627.9 lbs, exceeding the maximum takeoff weight of 2,548 lbs.
Furthermore, the investigation found that the cargo exceeded the specific limits for the aircraft's baggage compartments. The combined weight for baggage areas 1 and 2 was established at a maximum of 200 lbs, yet the actual load was 392.47 lbs. The investigation also identified that the operator's weight and balance manifest was fundamentally flawed, as it was designed only to calculate total weight and lacked the necessary parameters to calculate the aircraft's center of gravity (balance).
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a loss of lift during the initial climb due to exceeding the maximum takeoff weight.
- The aircraft was loaded with 392.47 lbs of cargo in the baggage compartments, significantly exceeding the 200 lbs limit for those areas.
- The operator's flight manifest was improperly designed, failing to account for the aircraft's center of gravity.
- The engine and mechanical components were found to be in good operational condition, with no internal failures identified prior to impact.
- Meteorological conditions were visual (VMC) and favorable for flight.