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2016-09-15: Cessna 152, PA-28-140 (HK2092, HK1328) — Flandes, CO

Flandes, CO

On September 15, 2016, a Cessna 152, PA-28-140 (registration HK2092, HK1328) was involved in an aviation accident near Flandes, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 1. Partial loss of situational awareness by both crews regarding each other's position within the traffic pattern; 2. Partial vigilance and complacency by air traffic control in not inquiring about the relative positions of the aircraft; 3. This summary draws on records from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Group of the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority (GRIAA).

Sourcesthe Aircraft Accident Investigation Group of the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority (GRIAA)Primary reportUpdated 1785102594Data APIEditorial standards

Two training aircraft collided midair while in the traffic pattern at Santiago Vila Airport. The Cessna 152 crashed into the Magdalena River; the Piper landed safely with damage. Both occupants of the Cessna died; the Piper crew was uninjured.

Accident Overview

On September 15, 2016, at 10:22 local time (15:22 UTC), a Cessna 152 (registration HK2092G) and a Piper PA-28-140 (registration HK1328G) collided in flight near Predio San Rafael, Flandes, Tolima, Colombia. Both aircraft were conducting instructional flights from Santiago Vila Airport (SKGI). The Cessna was operated by Academia de Pilotaje de Aviones y Helicópteros LTDA. (ACAHEL), and the Piper by Escuela de Aviación de los Andes S.A. (AEROANDES). Each aircraft carried a flight instructor and a student pilot.

Sequence of Events

Earlier that day, the Cessna had departed at 14:26 UTC for a dual-instruction flight in the Guamo training area. The Piper departed at 14:55 UTC for a dual-instruction presolo flight involving touch-and-go maneuvers on runway 20. After completing its training, the Cessna returned to the airport and was instructed to join the right downwind for runway 20, while the Piper was in the left downwind for the same runway. At 15:18 UTC, the Cessna was authorized a touch-and-go and instructed to report left downwind. At 15:20 UTC, the Piper performed another touch-and-go. At 15:22 UTC, the Piper crew radioed that another aircraft had struck their plane. The Piper then returned to SKGI and landed on runway 02, experiencing a partial runway excursion and nose gear collapse; both occupants were uninjured. The Cessna crashed into the Magdalena River; its wreckage and occupants were recovered over the following days. The accident occurred in daylight under visual meteorological conditions with no adverse weather.

Injuries and Damage

Occupants of the Cessna 152 (HK2092G) died due to impact with the river surface. The occupants of the Piper PA-28-140 (HK1328G) sustained no injuries. The Piper suffered minor damage during its emergency landing, including a nose gear separation.

Investigation Findings

The investigation identified several causes: (1) partial loss of situational awareness by both crews regarding each other's position within the traffic pattern; (2) partial vigilance and complacency by air traffic control in not inquiring about the relative positions of the aircraft; (3) lack of standardized procedures for traffic circuits at SKGI; and (4) overconfidence by the HK1328G crew in executing a maneuver while assuming a probable position of the other aircraft without visual confirmation.

Probable cause

1. Partial loss of situational awareness by both crews regarding each other's position within the traffic pattern; 2. Partial vigilance and complacency by air traffic control in not inquiring about the relative positions of the aircraft; 3. Lack of standardized procedures for traffic circuits at SKGI; 4. Overconfidence by the HK1328G crew in executing a maneuver while assuming a probable position of the other aircraft without visual confirmation.
Midair collision

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