What happened
On March 24, 2019, at 15:36 local time, a Piper PA-32-300, registration CP-1188, was performing a takeoff from the dirt runway at Reyes Airport in Bolivia. The aircraft, operated by Servicio Aéreo Beni Express Multiservicios, was carrying a pilot and four passengers on a flight destined for Trinidad.
During the takeoff roll, approximately 600 meters from the start of the runway, the aircraft reached an altitude of about 3 meters when the left wing lifted abnormally. This caused the right wing to drop, pulling the aircraft to the right and deviating it roughly 30 meters from the runway centerline. The aircraft entered tall grass and bushes on the eastern side of the runway before sliding toward the parking apron. During the excursion, the aircraft struck concrete fence posts, which caused the right wing and all three landing gear components to detach. The aircraft eventually came to a stop near the edge of the apron. All occupants evacuated the aircraft safely, and there were no injuries.
The investigation
The Bolivian Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) conducted a technical investigation into the accident. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance logs, engine and propeller components, and the flight plan. The inspection of the aircraft's internal control mechanisms revealed that the terminal regulating the control rod for the right flap showed signs of breakage due to stripped threads and corrosion. Additionally, investigators noted significant dirt and corrosion within the internal flap control components.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a loss of control during takeoff caused by the failure of the right flap control rod terminal.
- Corrosion and debris within the flap control mechanisms acted as a contributing factor.
- Deficiencies in the scheduling and execution of maintenance programs for specific aircraft systems and life-limited components were identified as contributing factors.