What happened
On June 13, 2015, a Cessna TU206G, registration HK2372, operated by Aerolíneas Llaneras Ltda., was performing a non-scheduled passenger flight from Mitú to the Buenos Aires indigenous community in Vaupés, Colombia. After performing three approach passes due to heavy rain, the pilot successfully landed on runway 24.
As the pilot taxied to a parking position near a local health center and began engine shutdown procedures, a medical professional—who had traveled to the community on a medical commission—approached the aircraft from the right side. The individual attempted to communicate with the pilot through the window to request transport for a patient. During this approach, the person moved into the path of the propeller while it was still in motion, resulting in a fatal impact. The pilot immediately shut down the engine and discovered the casualty upon disembarking.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized entry into the aircraft's movement area. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, which showed the engine and propeller were functioning normally and that a recent service had been completed in March 2015. The investigation also reviewed the aerodrome's infrastructure, noting the lack of perimeter fencing to prevent the uncontrolled movement of people and animals near the runway.
Findings
- Unauthorized runway incursion by a person into the aircraft's movement area.
- Lack of perimeter fencing at the Buenos Aires aerodrome to restrict access to the runway and taxiway areas.
- Loss of situational awareness and lack of knowledge regarding the hazards of moving propellers by the individual on the ground.
- Deficiencies in flight planning and potential distractions during the engine shutdown phase.
- The impact caused one propeller blade to detach from the hub, resulting in minor structural damage to the aircraft's fuselage.