What happened
On September 15, 2017, a Cessna T206H, registration PT-WXX, was performing a private passenger flight from Goiânia to Catalão, Brazil. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and four passengers. During the landing phase at Catalão Aerodrome (SWKT), the aircraft experienced a hard landing that resulted in the failure of the nose landing gear and the right main landing gear. The impact caused the propeller blades to strike the ground, and the aircraft subsequently veered off the runway to the right. Despite the impact, there were no injuries among the five occupants, and the aircraft sustained light damage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight conditions and the pilot's performance. Investigators identified that a crosswind component was present during the landing. Specifically, a valley between eucalyptus plantations near the runway threshold (Runway 17) created localized airflow patterns that affected aircraft on short final.
Furthermore, the investigation found that the aircraft was operating above its maximum takeoff weight by 38kg. The pilot had also performed the approach with the flaps retracted, resulting in a higher approach speed than would have been required with a standard flap configuration. The pilot's experience in this specific aircraft model was noted as limited, with only 51 total hours in the type.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in excess of its maximum allowable weight.
- The pilot performed the landing with flaps retracted, leading to an increased approach speed.
- The pilot lacked sufficient experience in the Cessna T206H.
- Localized wind patterns caused by terrain features contributed to a loss of lift near the runway touchdown.
- Errors in flight planning and pilot judgment regarding weight and speed management were primary contributing factors.