What happened
On July 11, 2026, a Scalewing SW-51 Mustang with registration HJ507 completed a visual approach and landed on runway 10 at La Nubia Airport (SKMZ) in Manizales, Colombia. The flight was a sport aviation operation from Medellín (SKMD). During the landing rollout, as the tail wheel lowered to the runway surface, the aircraft began to veer to the left. The pilot applied right rudder and braking to correct the trajectory temporarily. However, the aircraft immediately veered to the right, causing the left main landing gear to partially collapse. This resulted in a loss of directional control. The aircraft exited the paved runway surface by approximately two meters on the right side and came to a stop within the safety area at an estimated speed of 10 knots. The pilot evacuated the aircraft unassisted and sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The Colombian Directorate for Accident Investigation (DIACC) examined the sequence of events, noting that the aircraft was removed from the scene without prior authorization from the investigative authority. This action prevented the initial on-site documentation of the aircraft's original position and ground marks, limiting the technical reconstruction of the event under original conditions.
Meteorological data indicated variable winds with speeds between 2 and 4 knots, though the pilot reported tailwind components of approximately 8 knots varying to crosswinds. The investigation noted that no flight recorders were installed on the aircraft. Damage assessment revealed fractures in all four propeller blades, substantial damage to both main landing gear assemblies, structural deformation of the left wingtip, and impact damage to the right horizontal stabilizer during subsequent transport.
Findings
The primary causal factor was the partial collapse of the left main landing gear during the landing rollout, which led to a loss of directional control and the subsequent runway excursion. Contributing factors included reported tailwind and crosswind conditions that may have influenced the aircraft's stability during the critical phase of touchdown and initial deceleration.
Safety action
No immediate safety recommendations were issued due to the preliminary nature of the investigation. However, DIACC planned to distribute an operational safety bulletin emphasizing the risks associated with seasonal wind increases and gusts. The bulletin aimed to reinforce situational awareness regarding crosswind and tailwind components, advocating for conservative operational margins and rigorous risk management decisions when weather conditions approach aircraft or pilot limitations.