What happened
On July 11, 2016, a Cessna TU206G, registration HK2940, was operating a non-scheduled passenger flight from Vanguardia (SKVV) to Mitú (SKMU) under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The aircraft was carrying one pilot and four passengers. During the cruise phase, the aircraft disappeared from radar at approximately 15:08 UTC near Mapiripancial, Guaviare.
Following an extensive search operation by the Colombian Air Force and the operator, the wreckage was located on July 16, 2016. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft had suffered a catastrophic structural failure in flight. The impact resulted in five fatalities.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation focused on the atmospheric conditions and the aircraft's flight path. Analysis of satellite imagery and numerical weather models (GDAS) revealed that a large convective storm cell, approximately 110NM in length, was moving through the region. The investigation established that the aircraft encountered extreme atmospheric instability, with a Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) of 2281 J/kg.
Numerical modeling indicated the presence of intense updrafts reaching speeds of up to 68 m/s (approximately 13,200 feet per minute). Radar tracks showed a sudden change in the aircraft's heading prior to the impact. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was not equipped with weather radar, which limited the pilot's ability to detect and avoid the developing storm cells.
Findings
- The aircraft encountered severe convective weather during the cruise phase.
- Structural disintegration occurred due to the interaction with an intense convective updraft from a storm cell.
- The aircraft's flight planning was inadequate regarding the evolution of adverse weather conditions along the route.
- The aircraft lacked onboard weather radar, hindering real-time decision-making.
- The extreme upward vertical velocities caused a sudden change in attitude and exceeded the aircraft's structural load limits.