What happened
On March 5, 2026, a Gulfstream Commander 690C, registration YV1892, was performing a flight from General José Antonio Anzoátegui International Airport to Adicora Aerodrome. The aircraft was carrying seven people, including two crew members and five passengers.
During the final approach at Adicora, the pilot performed a low pass over runway 08 to ensure the surface was clear of obstacles. Following the landing roll, after approximately 280 meters of travel, a flock of between 15 and 20 sheep suddenly crossed the runway. The crew was unable to avoid the impact. The pilot maintained control to keep the aircraft centered on the runway, and the crew immediately shut down the fuel, electrical, and hydraulic systems. There were no fatalities or injuries, though the aircraft sustained significant damage.
The investigation
The investigation involved a physical inspection of the aircraft and its engines, non-destructive testing (NDT), and interviews with the crew. Investigators examined the airframe, landing gear, and the two Garrett Aireresearch TPE3X31-5-254K turboprop engines.
Technical inspections revealed several points of impact damage:
- Both propellers exhibited bent blades due to the collision with the animals.
- The DME/transponder antenna was detached from the lower fuselage.
- Damage was found on the left main landing gear drag brace and the right main landing gear door.
- The right engine radiator air intake grilles were deformed, and a hydraulic brake line was ruptured.
Detailed inspection of the engines via NDT revealed that the right engine's torque shaft was fractured and the torque sensor was damaged due to debris generation from a cam assembly failure.