Low-level wind shear causes runway excursion in Cessna T210H

Casualties unknown • La Chorrera, CO

A medical transport flight in the Colombian Amazon experienced a runway excursion following multiple bounces caused by sudden wind changes.

What happened

On December 12, 2021, a Cessna T210H, registration HK5232, was performing a non-scheduled medical transport flight from Villavicencio to the Virgilio Barco Vargas Aerodrome in La Chorrera, Amazonas. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and five passengers.

During the landing phase, the pilot encountered significant wind fluctuations. The aircraft initially touched down on its left gear but immediately bounced. After a second bounce, the pilot attempted a go-around by applying maximum power and retracting the landing gear and flaps. However, the aircraft lost altitude and made contact with the runway surface. The impact caused the propeller to strike the ground, leading to a sudden engine stoppage and significant abrasion to the aircraft's ventral section. The aircraft subsequently veered off the right side of the runway into the safety area. All six occupants evacuated the aircraft; while most were uninjured, four passengers sustained minor injuries.

The investigation

The GRIAA investigation focused on the meteorological conditions and the flight maneuvers during the landing. Investigators analyzed the presence of a Low-Level Jet (LLJ) in the region, which is common during the southern summer and often leads to Low-Level Wind Shear (LLWS). The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance records, which were found to be in compliance, and the pilot's credentials, which were valid. Additionally, the investigation examined the aircraft's weight and balance, noting that the takeoff weight from the previous leg likely exceeded the manufacturer's maximum operating weight.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the initial contact with the runway was low-level wind shear (LLWS), which caused abrupt changes in wind direction and intensity, leading to the aircraft bouncing during the flare maneuver.
  • The crew's focus on the initial landing attempt prevented them from executing an immediate and effective go-around.
  • The loss of altitude during the go-around attempt was induced by low-level wind shear and exacerbated by a critical flight condition characterized by low airspeed and a high angle of attack.
  • The aircraft was likely operating above its maximum operating weight during the departure from the previous airfield.

Probable cause

The runway excursion was caused by abrupt wind velocity and direction changes (low-level wind shear) that triggered aircraft bounces, combined with a loss of altitude during a late go-around attempt while the aircraft was in a high angle-of-attack, low-speed state.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2021-12-12 T210H accident near La Chorrera, CO?

A medical transport flight in the Colombian Amazon experienced a runway excursion following multiple bounces caused by sudden wind changes.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2021-12-12 involved a T210H, registration HK5232, at La Chorrera, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The runway excursion was caused by abrupt wind velocity and direction changes (low-level wind shear) that triggered aircraft bounces, combined with a loss of altitude during a late go-around attempt while the aircraft was in a high angle-of-attack, low-speed state.

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