What happened
On August 24, 2025, at approximately 18:26 local time, a Piper PA28-160 (registration CX-BAJ) was performing a private flight at Salto International Airport (SUSO) in Uruguay. The aircraft, operated by the pilot, landed on runway 05 during twilight hours under favorable visual flight rules (VFR) conditions.
After touching down on the first third of the runway, the aircraft traveled approximately 40 and a half meters along the centerline. During the deceleration phase, white smoke was observed beneath the airframe, and the aircraft suddenly veered to the left. This maneuver caused the right wingtip to strike the runway surface, leading to a loss of control. The aircraft subsequently exited the runway onto the left-side grass strip, where the nose gear collapsed upon impact with the terrain. The aircraft came to a complete stop 25 meters from the runway edge after the propeller spinner embedded itself in the soft ground. The pilot and passenger evacuated the aircraft uninjured.
The investigation
The CIAIA investigation focused on the mechanical state of the braking system and the operational response at the aerodrome. Investigators examined the aircraft's unique manual braking system, which utilizes a lever under the instrument panel with a specific parking brake trigger.
Upon inspection of the braking mechanism, investigators discovered that the spring for the parking brake trigger was missing. Testing conducted by the CIAIA within the aircraft confirmed that the absence of this component created a tendency for the parking brake to engage involuntarily during the deceleration phase of landing. Additionally, the investigation reviewed airport emergency procedures, noting that while the airport's administrative staff responded promptly, the on-duty firefighters did not proceed to the accident site, citing uncertainty regarding the specific protocols for the activated alert level.
Findings
- The unintended activation of the parking brake due to a worn and incomplete trigger mechanism was the primary contributing factor to the loss of directional control.
- The aircraft sustained substantial structural damage, including damage to the engine mounts, propeller blades, and the nose gear assembly.
- The aircraft's nose gear collapsed due to the impact with the ground during the excursion.
- There was a lack of clarity among airport firefighting personnel regarding the specific emergency response procedures required under the aerodrome's emergency plan.