What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2019-03-31 involved a PA-31-450, registration HK5229, at Popayán, CO.

Serious Incident: Piper PA-31-350 Runway Excursion at Popayán (HK5229)

On March 31, 2019, a PA-31-450 (registration HK5229) was involved in an aviation accident near Popayán, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Prolonged runway excursion over the threshold of runway 28 due to the execution of an emergency landing with the engine shut down. 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 API Editorial standards

On 31 March 2019, a Piper PA-31-350 (HK5229) experienced a runway excursion after an emergency landing with one engine shut down. The aircraft came to rest 28 meters beyond the runway threshold. All 10 occupants were uninjured.

Flight History

The aircraft, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration HK5229), operated by Transpacíficos S.A.S., was conducting a non-scheduled passenger flight from Popayán (SKPP) to López de Micay (SKZI) on 31 March 2019. The flight departed from runway 26 at 12:25 local time with two pilots and eight passengers on board.

Emergency Situation

At 12:32, while crossing the El Tambo position, the pilot observed that the oil pressure indication for engine No. 1 was decreasing and the temperature indication showed variations with a tendency to increase. The crew declared an emergency, shut down engine No. 1, and feathered the propeller. They requested and received clearance to return to Popayán for an emergency landing.

Emergency Landing and Runway Excursion

Air traffic control cleared the aircraft for landing on runway 08, with wind information of 260 degrees at 11 knots. The crew configured the aircraft with full flaps and landing gear down, maintaining a speed between 120 and 130 knots for landing. At 12:37, the aircraft touched down and the crew applied heavy, progressive braking. This caused the brakes to overheat and lose effectiveness. The aircraft continued its rollout and overran the runway 28 end, coming to a stop 28 meters into the safety area.

Outcome

All ten occupants evacuated the aircraft without injury. No fire occurred, and the airport fire service provided assistance without needing extinguishing agents. The aircraft and airport infrastructure sustained no damage.

Probable cause

Prolonged runway excursion over the threshold of runway 28 due to the execution of an emergency landing with the engine shut down. Landing with high speed following the pilot's decision to maintain a speed well above that required by the aircraft's operating manual.

Runway excursion

2019-03-31: PA-31-450 (HK5229) — Popayán, CO