What happened
On January 6, 2026, at 18:45 UTC, a Cessna C550, registration YV2988, departed from Acarigua Airport (SVAC) bound for San Juan de los Morros. The flight was carrying six occupants, including the pilot, co-pilot, and four passengers. Prior to landing, the commander performed a low pass at 2,000 feet to inspect the runway for debris or personnel following a previous day's closure.
During the landing roll on runway 06, after the deployment of speed brakes and thrust reversers, the crew observed a motorcyclist suddenly entering the runway area in the same direction as the aircraft. The pilot attempted an immediate evasive maneuver by banking the aircraft to the far left edge of the runway; however, the Cessna C550 struck the motorcyclist on its right side. While the crew and passengers escaped without injury and the aircraft sustained only minor damage, the motorcyclist was killed in the collision.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, airworthiness certificates, and crew licenses, all of which were found to be valid at the time of the accident. Investigators also inspected the aerodrome infrastructure, noting significant gaps in the perimeter fencing and a lack of warning signage near the movement area. Evidence of various motorcycles and vehicles frequently entering the runway area was documented at the scene.
Findings
- Perimeter Vulnerability: The aerodrome's perimeter fence was broken or missing, allowing unauthorized vehicles to enter the operational area freely.
- Signage Deficiencies: There was an absence of adequate visual warning signs to delineate critical movement zones from public areas.
- Lack of Situational Awareness: The motorcyclist was unaware of standard safety procedures and failed to recognize the risk posed by an approaching aircraft.
- Infrastructure Failure: The primary causal factor was the permeability of the movement area perimeter, which prevented the effective segregation of aeronautical operations from ground traffic.