Boeing 737 strikes tree during takeoff in Colombia

Casualties unknown • Puerto Carreño, CO

A cargo Boeing 737-2X6C struck a tree during its initial climb at Puerto Carreño, causing engine failure and forcing an emergency return to the airfield.

What happened

On February 3, 2022, a Boeing 737-2X6C cargo aircraft, registration HK5192, was performing a takeoff from runway 07 at the Germán Olano Aerodrome in Puerto Carreño, Colombia. During the initial climb, immediately after the crew retracted the landing gear, the aircraft struck the top of a tree located in the takeoff path.

The impact caused the loss of power in the number one engine and a failure of the engine 1 generator. The crew followed emergency procedures and successfully restarted the engine, although it continued to show high temperature indications. After reaching an altitude of 2,500 feet and maneuvering 30 nautical miles away from the airfield, the crew decided to return to the airport. The aircraft landed safely without further incident, and all five occupants—including the pilots, an observer, a technician, and a dispatcher—exited the aircraft on the apron without injuries.

The investigation

The GRIAA investigation focused on the takeoff performance and the operational decisions leading to the collision. Investigators examined flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) information, as well as weight and balance calculations. The investigation analyzed the aircraft's performance under high density altitude and high ambient temperature conditions, specifically noting that the aircraft was operating at a weight exceeding the calculated performance limits for the existing atmospheric conditions.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the collision was late rotation, which prevented the aircraft from achieving a sufficient climb angle and altitude to clear obstacles in the takeoff path.
  • The aircraft was operated at a takeoff weight exceeding the permitted limits established by performance calculations.
  • High density altitude and high ambient temperatures (approximately 33-34°C) increased the takeoff roll distance, reducing the safety margin for obstacle clearance.
  • The crew exhibited overconfidence, assuming that fuel burn during taxi would reduce the weight to within safe limits for takeoff.
  • There was a lack of situational awareness among the crew and the ground dispatcher regarding the impact of changing temperature conditions on performance.
  • Operational control weaknesses were identified, specifically regarding the lack of adequate briefings by the dispatcher to account for temperature fluctuations that affect aircraft performance.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a late rotation during takeoff, resulting from the aircraft operating at a weight that exceeded performance limits under high density altitude and high temperature conditions, which prevented the aircraft from clearing an obstacle in its flight path.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2022-02-03 737-2X6C accident near Puerto Carreño, CO?

A cargo Boeing 737-2X6C struck a tree during its initial climb at Puerto Carreño, causing engine failure and forcing an emergency return to the airfield.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2022-02-03 involved a 737-2X6C, registration HK5192, at Puerto Carreño, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a late rotation during takeoff, resulting from the aircraft operating at a weight that exceeded performance limits under high density altitude and high temperature conditions, which prevented the aircraft from clearing an obstacle in its flight path.

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