What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2021-07-14 involved a 182P, registration HK1522, at Pacoa, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to maintain a stabilized approach, resulting in an undershoot of the runway threshold, compounded by poor aerodrome infrastructure and inadequate operational risk management by the operator.

Unstabilized Approach Leads to Aircraft Overturn in Vaupés

A Cessna 182P experienced a loss of control during landing at San Miguel, Colombia, after an unstabilized approach resulted in touchdown before the runway.

What happened

On July 14, 2021, a Cessna 182P, registration HK1522, was performing a non-scheduled passenger flight from Mitú to San Miguel, Vaupés, Colombia. The flight was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) with one pilot and three passengers on board.

As the aircraft approached runway 17 at San Miguel, the pilot executed an unstabilized approach characterized by low airspeed and a glide path below the correct descent profile. During the final stages of the approach, approximately 25 meters before the runway threshold, the aircraft encountered a suspected wind shear. Although the pilot attempted to recover by applying power, the aircraft made contact with the ground before reaching the runway surface. The landing gear became entangled with vegetation in the safety area, causing the pilot to lose control. The nose gear subsequently fractured, and the aircraft underwent a partial overturn on the runway. All four occupants escaped the aircraft without injury, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a detached left wing and engine mount failure.

The investigation

The GRIAA investigation examined the flight parameters, the meteorological conditions, and the infrastructure of the San Miguel aerodrome. Investigators analyzed the pilot's flight technique, noting that the approach did not meet stabilized criteria. The investigation also reviewed the maintenance records of the Cessna 182P, finding the aircraft and engine to be airworthy and properly maintained. Furthermore, the investigation assessed the operational risk management of the operator and the physical condition of the landing site.

Findings

The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's inappropriate flight technique, specifically conducting an unstabilized approach at low speed and below the proper glide path without implementing a go-around.
The presence of wind shear during the approach likely aggravated the loss of lift, contributing to the premature touchdown.
Deficient aerodrome conditions at San Miguel played a significant role, as the field lacked essential markings, such as runway boundaries and wind indicators (windsock), making the approach difficult.
The presence of vegetation within the runway safety area exacerbated the impact, leading to the entanglement of the landing gear.
The aircraft operator demonstrated a lack of risk management, failing to implement necessary safeguards for operating at high-risk, poorly equipped aerodromes or to advocate for infrastructure improvements.