What happened
During an approach and landing at Cascais aerodrome, a Beechcraft 18 touched down with excessive speed and an improper attitude, causing the aircraft to bounce on the runway. Following a second touchdown, the aircraft entered a divergent dynamic characterized by successive deviations to the left and right. This resulted in a ground loop that sent the aircraft off the left side of the runway. During the excursion, the aircraft's right wingtip struck a Cessna 152 that was holding on the taxiway awaiting takeoff for an instructional flight. The impact caused the Beechcraft 18's tail wheel to collapse upon striking the edge of the taxiway, leading to damage to the rear fuselage, vertical stabilizers, and rudders. The Cessna 152 sustained substantial damage to its left wing and the cockpit area of the fuselage. Both crews were uninjured.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the aircraft's condition, the environmental factors, and the pilot's recent flight history. The investigation noted that while some aircraft components showed signs of degradation likely due to inactivity or lack of preservation, no mechanical failure was linked to the runway excursion. The investigation also reviewed the meteorological conditions, noting a reported wind of 290/09kt, which provided an 8-knot right crosswind component for runway 17.
Findings
- The pilot had not operated this specific aircraft model since 2018.
- The aircraft was operating in a right crosswind component of 8 knots.
- Inadequate piloting technique involving excessive directional correction (PIO) was the primary cause of the event.
- The pilot's reduced proficiency with this specific aircraft model under the recorded wind conditions acted as a contributing factor.