Introduction
On 13 June 2015, at approximately 12:30 local time (17:30 UTC), a Cessna TU206G aircraft, registration HK2372, operated by Aerolíneas Llaneras Ltda. (ARALL LTDA), was involved in a ground accident at Buenos Aires airstrip in the indigenous community of Buenos Aires, Pacoa, Vaupés, Colombia. The aircraft was conducting a non-regular passenger transport flight from Fabio Alberto León Bentley Airport (SKMU) in Mitú to the airstrip, with one pilot and two passengers on board.
Flight History
The flight departed Mitú at 11:35 HL (16:35 UTC). Upon arrival at Buenos Aires, the pilot performed three go-arounds due to rainy conditions. Subsequently, the aircraft landed on runway 24 without incident. The pilot then taxied to park near the health post, turning 180 degrees to position the aircraft on the runway.
Accident Sequence
While the aircraft was parked on the runway with the engine still running, a female medical professional assigned to the health commission left the health post and approached the right side of the aircraft. She intended to speak with the pilot about requesting a seat for a patient. As she neared the aircraft, she came into contact with the rotating propeller, sustaining fatal injuries. The pilot heard the impact, shut down the engine, and upon disembarking found the woman had been struck by the propeller.
After the accident, the inspector of the Buenos Aires community radioed the San Antonio Hospital in Mitú, which then notified the control tower at SKMU. A response aircraft, HK4228 operated by America’s Air, was dispatched to assist. It returned to Mitú at 14:41 HL (21:41 UTC) with the pilot and the body of the deceased, where judicial authorities awaited.
Damage
The aircraft sustained minor damage. One propeller blade became detached from the hub due to the impact. Structural damage occurred to the forward and aft fuselage.
Contributing Factors
The investigation identified several contributing factors: unauthorized entry of persons into the aircraft movement area at Buenos Aires airstrip; deficiencies in flight planning; lack of perimeter fencing to prevent inadvertent access by people, animals, or vehicles; and likely loss of situational awareness, distraction, or lack of knowledge on the part of the deceased regarding the hazard zones present during aircraft parking.