What happened
On November 14, 2020, a Cessna U206G, registration HK3066, operated by Avianline Charter’s S.A.S., was performing a cargo flight from Mitú to the community of Wasai in the Vaupés department. During the approach to the Wasai airstrip, the aircraft executed an unstable landing characterized by high speed and a steep descent angle. The aircraft made a long touchdown and bounced twice on the runway.
As the aircraft approached the end of the runway, the pilot attempted a go-around by applying power. However, the aircraft entered the climb in a critical state, maintaining a low airspeed, a high angle of attack, and an insufficient climb gradient. Approximately 30 feet above the ground, the lower fuselage and right wing struck nearby vegetation. This impact caused the aircraft to lose control, roll approximately 150 degrees to the right, and crash into the terrain. A fire broke out upon impact, completely destroying the aircraft. The pilot sustained one serious injury (a fractured arm) but managed to evacuate the wreckage on foot.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation established that the aircraft was within weight and balance limits and had sufficient fuel for the flight. The investigation noted that the Wasai aerodrome lacked essential infrastructure, such as windsock indicators, runway markings, or defined safety zones, and was surrounded by tall trees. Due to COVID-19 movement restrictions, the investigators relied on evidence collected by the operator's Safety Management System (SMS).
Findings
- The primary cause was a loss of control in flight caused by a marginal climb following a go-around at low speed and high angle of attack, which resulted from an unsuccessful go-around attempt on an insufficient runway after an abnormal landing.
- The pilot made an inadequate decision to attempt a go-around on a runway that did not provide enough distance to accelerate to a safe takeoff speed and clear obstacles.
- The approach was unstable, and the pilot failed to execute a timely missed approach after the initial long touchdown and bounces.
- The aerodrome lacked necessary markings and was surrounded by natural obstacles that hindered the aircraft's climb gradient.
- There was a lack of risk management by the operator regarding the use of high-risk, uncertified airstrips and a lack of specific safety procedures for pilots operating at this location for the first time.
Safety action
- The investigation issued recommendations for the operator to improve risk management regarding aerodrome infrastructure and to implement training on stabilized approaches and short-field operations.
- It recommended the use of Flight Risk Assessment Tools (FRAT) for individual operations.
- Recommendations were made to the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority to urge local authorities to improve the Wasai aerodrome's infrastructure, including runway demarcation and obstacle clearance.