What happened
On August 7, 2019, a Jetstream 32 aircraft, registration HK4540, was performing a non-scheduled passenger charter flight from Quibdó (SKUI) to Bahía Solano (SKBS). The flight, operated by Servicios Aéreos Panamericanos, was carrying two crew members and 18 passengers, including one infant.
During the landing phase at José Celestino Mutis Airport, the crew maintained a final approach speed of 120 knots. Upon touchdown, the crew applied reverse thrust and set the propellers to the taxi position as the speed dropped below 70 knots. During the landing roll, the aircraft began to deviate toward the left side of the runway centerline. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation using differential braking and nose wheel steering, but was unable to maintain control.
The aircraft exited the runway to the left, traversing the safety area before coming to a stop approximately 115 meters from the threshold of runway 18. The aircraft ended up in muddy, uneven terrain about 9.5 meters from the runway edge. All 20 occupants evacuated the aircraft safely and sustained no injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a collapsed nose gear, destroyed radome, and significant damage to the engine propellers following impact with the ground.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation examined the aircraft's flight data recorder (FDR) and the operational conditions at the aerodrome. The investigation focused on the aircraft's directional control capabilities during the landing roll and the physical state of the runway surface. Investigators also reviewed the maintenance records of the Jetstream 32, finding that the engines, propellers, and airframe were within operational limits and maintained according to manufacturer specifications.
Findings
- The primary cause of the runway excursion was the loss of directional control during the landing roll.
- The runway surface was described as wet and heavily contaminated, which prevented effective braking and steering.
- The aircraft's nose gear collapsed upon impact with the uneven terrain.
- The aerodrome lacked sufficient meteorological equipment, as the crew relied on a windsock for wind information, and the tower lacked precise altimetry data.