What happened
On April 10, 2025, a Boeing 737-400, registration HK-5447, operated by Aerosucre S.A., was performing a scheduled cargo flight from Bogotá to Puerto Inírida, Colombia. During the approach to César Gaviria Trujillo Airport (SKPD), the crew encountered adverse weather, including rain and shifting winds.
To mitigate the risk of hydroplaning on the wet runway, the pilot performed a high-energy landing, intentionally touchdown with higher speed and force. During the landing phase, the aircraft made contact with the ground before reaching the threshold of runway 18. While the crew initially perceived the landing as successful, a subsequent inspection revealed that the impact had kicked up debris from the runway area. Specifically, a medium-sized rock was found embedded within the structure of the left horizontal stabilizer, having punctured the leading edge. Additionally, minor dents were found on the fuselage skin, and cracks were identified on wheels 1 and 4.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation focused on the flight parameters and the physical impact of the landing. Flight Data Recorder (FDR) analysis revealed an unstable approach characterized by a significant change in descent rate and vertical acceleration, recording a peak of 1.368 G followed by a rebound of 0.770 G. Investigators also verified tire marks on the pavement, confirming that the aircraft touched down prior to the runway threshold. The investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, which showed the aircraft was airworthy and compliant with all required inspections prior to the event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the landing before the runway 18 threshold, resulting from an unstabilized approach driven by adverse meteorological conditions.
- The crew failed to perform a risk analysis regarding the aircraft's performance parameters during the unstable approach, which could have led to a decision to execute a go-around or divert to an alternate airport.
- The presence of stones and debris on the runway area, likely used for runway shoulder stabilization, caused the structural punctures and dents upon impact.
- The pilot's decision to execute a high-energy landing to avoid hydroplaning contributed to the high vertical loads recorded.