What happened
On June 26, 2019, a Cessna 182P, registration HK1633, was performing a non-scheduled passenger flight from Mitú to the Campo Alegre landing strip in the Guainía department of Colombia. During the final approach to runway 36, the pilot reported a high rate of descent caused by wind gusts.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced a heavy impact on the right main landing gear, which caused the gear to detach from its root. The aircraft subsequently lost directional control and veered off the runway to the right. As the aircraft moved into the safety area, the nose gear fractured and detached. The momentum and friction caused the aircraft to pivot on its transverse axis, ultimately coming to rest in an inverted position.
All four occupants (one pilot and three passengers) evacuated the aircraft on their own without any injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including structural deformation of the wings and fuselage, damage to the engine and propeller, and the loss of both landing gear assemblies.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation established that the aircraft was airworthy and the pilot held a valid commercial license. However, the investigation identified significant deficiencies in both operational procedures and airfield infrastructure.
Investigators found that the operator lacked standardized procedures for managing unstabilized approaches and wind shear. Furthermore, the Campo Alegre airfield was found to be non-compliant with safety regulations, specifically lacking essential wind information (such as wind socks), runway markings, and properly maintained safety zones.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the use of inadequate flight techniques during an unstabilable approach, which resulted in an abnormal contact with the runway.
- Wind gusts contributed to the unstable approach and the subsequent loss of control on the ground.
- Deficient airfield conditions, including the lack of runway edge markings and inadequate safety area maintenance, exacerbated the damage to the aircraft.
- The operator's training programs lacked specific guidance on executing go-arounds or managing approaches under unstable conditions.
Safety action
Following the investigation, several recommendations were issued:
- To the operator, Aeromenegua: Update the Operations Manual to define parameters for stabilized approaches, mandate go-around procedures when criteria are not met, and implement risk assessments for all operating runways.
- To the Aeronáutica Civil de Colombia: Conduct inspections of the infrastructure and operational safety at several airfields in the Guainía department, including Campo Alegre, to ensure compliance with technical requirements.