Flight History
On June 26, 2019, the Cessna 182-P, registration HK1633, operated by Taxi Aéreo del Alto de Menegua-Aeromenegua Ltda., was scheduled for a non-regular passenger transport flight from Mitú Airport (SKMU) to Campo Alegre airstrip (SKMH) in Guainía, Colombia. The pilot arrived at the company facilities at about 06:40 local time, filed a flight plan, and prepared for the day's operations. After an initial round trip to Tiquíe (SKTE) and back to Mitú, the aircraft departed for Campo Alegre at 14:45 local time with one pilot and three passengers.
The flight proceeded normally until the visual approach to runway 36 at Campo Alegre. At 15:35 local time, during the approach at 110 knots, the pilot perceived a high descent rate, apparently due to wind gusts. Upon touchdown, the right main landing gear struck the runway with abnormal force, causing it to separate from the root. The aircraft lost directional control and veered off the right side of the runway about 40 meters later. In the safety area, the nose gear fractured and separated, and the aircraft rotated about its lateral axis, coming to rest inverted.
The pilot executed emergency procedures, disabling electrical systems, and coordinated the evacuation. All four occupants exited the aircraft unassisted without injury.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including the separation of the right main landing gear and nose gear, damage to the engine cowling, propeller, empennage, both wings, and the engine from the sudden stoppage.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The Colombian Group of Accident Investigation (GRIAA) determined the probable cause of the accident was the practice of inadequate techniques by the flight crew, specifically conducting an unstabilized approach and continuing with the landing under conditions that led to abnormal contact with the runway. Contributing factors included the unstabilized approach with gusty winds, and deficient aerodrome conditions that did not comply with Colombian aviation regulations RAC 14 section 14.2.5.1 regarding provision of wind information, runway centerline and edge markings, and safety areas in good condition.
Aftermath
No post-impact fire occurred. The accident happened in daylight and visual meteorological conditions (VMC). The GRIAA noted that due to security conditions, an investigator could not travel to the site; assistance was provided by the Civil Aeronautics SAR personnel from the Meta region. The GRIAA notified the NTSB as the state of design and manufacture. No accredited representative or technical advisor was assigned. The investigation resulted in six safety recommendations: four directed to the operator and two to the Special Administrative Unit of Civil Aeronautics.