What happened
On April 29, 2014, a Cessna 140, registration CX-AGG, was conducting a flight training mission at the Trinidad "Juan B. Desalvo" Aerodrome in the Flores Department of Uruguay. The flight, which included an instructor in the right seat and a pilot in the left seat, was performing routine training maneuvers to avoid interfering with local agricultural spraying operations.
During the third circuit of the day, the aircraft touched down on the left side of runway 05/23. Upon contact with the left side of the runway, the aircraft began to veer toward the edge of the paved surface. The pilot was unable to regain directional control, causing the aircraft to exit the runway and enter an adjacent sorghum field. The impact caused the aircraft to overturn and land upside down. Both occupants were able to evacuate the aircraft on their own and sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The CIAIA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's credentials, and the physical state of the airfield. The investigation confirmed that the Cessna 140 was airworthy, with all documentation and maintenance up to date. The aircraft's weight and balance were within established limits at the time of the accident.
Investigators also analyzed the runway conditions, noting that the surface of runway 05/23 featured undulations and was flanked by tall crops. The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making during the landing phase and the impact of the aircraft's position on the runway relative to the surrounding terrain.