What happened
On March 6, 2019, a Cessna 210L, registration CP-2744, operated by Aerotaxi Ariel, was landing at Selin Zeitun Lopez Airport in Riberalta, Bolivia. The flight had departed from Cobija with one pilot and five passengers under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
After completing the landing on runway 32, the aircraft traveled approximately 500 meters past the threshold. As the pilot attempted to vacate the runway and enter an auxiliary taxiway, the nose gear collapsed. This sudden descent caused the propeller to strike the asphalt, resulting in the bending of all three propeller blades and causing the engine to stop immediately. All six occupants were able to evacuate the aircraft safely with assistance from the airport's fire services; no injuries were reported.
The investigation
The Bolivian Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) conducted a technical investigation into the incident. Investigators reviewed the aircraft's maintenance logs, the pilot's flight history, and the engine and propeller components. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid and that the pilot held a valid commercial license with sufficient experience in this aircraft type.
Maintenance records indicated that previous work on the nose gear had been performed by an approved maintenance organization. The investigation also verified that the aircraft's weight and balance were within operational limits and that weather conditions at the time of landing were favorable for VFR operations.