Incident Overview
On January 1, 2019, a Cessna 172M with manufacturer serial number 17264885 and registration CP-1214 was involved in an accident at the Santa Ana del Yacuma airport (SLSA) in Bolivia. The aircraft, operated privately by Carmelo Orellana Ruiz, was on a visual flight rules (VFR) trip from Trinidad (SLTR) to Santa Ana (SLSA). The incident occurred at 16:14 local time during the landing phase.
Flight Details and Conditions
The pilot filed a flight plan for four people aboard, estimating a 45-minute flight. The aircraft took off from Trinidad at 15:27 local time. At the destination, the tower authorized an approach to runway 33. Meteorological reports indicated winds from 340 degrees at 15 knots, with scattered clouds and cumulonimbus activity in the vicinity.
Accident Sequence
Upon initial touchdown on runway 33, the aircraft lifted off again, presumably due to a wind gust. It subsequently drifted to the right of the runway centerline and impacted the ground approximately 50 meters from the right edge. The impact caused structural damage, including a broken nose gear fork, a bent fire wall, and deformation of the left fuselage skin.
Casualties and Damage
All four occupants—one pilot and three passengers—sustained minor or no injuries; there were no fatalities. The aircraft sustained significant damage to the nose gear assembly, engine cowling, and airframe structure. The investigation was conducted by Bolivia's Civil Aeronautics Authority (DGAC) under ICAO Annex 13 standards.