Synopsis
On February 10, 2021, a Piper PA-28-140 training aircraft, registration HK5234, was conducting a training flight between Vanguardia Airport (SKVV) in Villavicencio and Captain Rafael Antonio Gross Bohórquez Aerodrome (SKVN) in Villanueva, Colombia. The flight was crewed by one instructor and one student pilot.
Sequence of Events
After a normal departure from Vanguardia and en route flight, the crew performed a touch-and-go at Villanueva. Following the maneuver, the student reported that a canine had struck the left side of the aircraft. The instructor took control, performed a 90-270 turn to visually inspect the runway, and observed the body of an animal on the runway. The decision was made to suspend training at Villanueva and return to Vanguardia.
During the return flight, the instructor briefed the student on procedures for a lower-speed landing in anticipation of possible damage. The instructor also informed Vanguardia Tower about a potential abnormal landing gear condition.
The aircraft landed normally on Runway 05 at Vanguardia. While decelerating, the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to tilt sharply to the left and come to a stop on the runway at coordinates N 04°10'9.61" – W 073°36'45.27". Both occupants evacuated the aircraft uninjured. Airport fire services responded.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained substantial damage. No injuries were reported among the two occupants.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The investigation determined the probable cause was the collapse of the left main landing gear due to the sudden fracture of mechanical fasteners (bolts and rivets), likely caused by the impact force from the wildlife strike during the previous touch-and-go at Villanueva.
Contributing factors included deficient conditions at Villanueva Aerodrome, specifically the absence of a perimeter fence and a lack of wildlife control program, which facilitated the canine runway incursion. Additionally, the training center failed to conduct adequate runway analysis and risk management as required by RAC 141 regarding the characteristics and requirements of aerodromes where they operate.
Investigation Findings
The investigation issued six immediate recommendations and two recommendations upon publication of the final report. No additional analysis or conclusions beyond those stated in the official report are presented.