Casualties unknown

2021-10-08: A320-214 (N742AV) — Ibagué, CO

Ibagué, CO

On October 8, 2021, an A320-214 (registration N742AV) was involved in an aviation accident near Ibagué, CO. This summary draws on records from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Group of the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority (GRIAA).

Sourcesthe Aircraft Accident Investigation Group of the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority (GRIAA)Primary reportUpdated 1785102594Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N742AV
Aircraft registered N742AV. Photo: Rene Hernandez2 / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

On 8 October 2021, an Airbus A320-214 (N742AV) experienced abnormal runway contact during a go-around while conducting a validation flight at Perales Airport, Ibagué, Colombia. The serious incident involved multiple preceding approaches and was investigated by the Colombian aviation authority.

Background

The aircraft, an Airbus A320-214 with registration N742AV, was operated by Aerovías del Continente Americano S.A. (Avianca). On 8 October 2021, the flight crew was performing a validation flight for Required Navigation Performance (RNP) approach procedures at Perales Airport (SKIB) in Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia. The flight consisted of two segments: the first from Bogotá (SKBO) to Ibagué and return, and the second multiple approaches at Ibagué.

Event Sequence

According to the flight data recorder (FDR) information, the crew conducted several approaches prior to the incident. During the second segment, the aircraft executed a second approach using RNP-AR X for runway 32. This approach culminated in a go-around (sobrepaso). During the go-around, the aircraft made abnormal contact with the runway surface. The incident was classified as a serious incident (Incidente Grave) by the Colombian Dirección Técnica de Investigación de Accidentes (DIACC).

Findings

The investigation examined operational procedures, flight control laws, and the sequence of events. The report noted that the go-around was initiated in accordance with standard procedures, but abnormal contact with the runway occurred. The aircraft sustained damage as a result of the contact. No other damage or injuries were reported in the factual information provided. The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and video recordings were analyzed to reconstruct the event.

Conclusion

The investigation determined that the event involved an abnormal runway contact during a go-around. The probable cause, as stated in the official report, is not reproduced here due to limited excerpt availability. The investigation made several safety recommendations to the operator and the aviation authority.