Gulfstream Commander 690C Wildlife Strike at Adicora Aerodrome (YV1892)

Incident Overview and Flight Details On March 5, 2026, a Gulfstream Commander 690C with registration YV1892 departed from General José Antonio Anzoátegui International Airport (SVBC) in Barcelona, Anzoátegui State, at 14:45 UTC. The flight was bound for Adicora Aerodrome (SVAD) in Falcón State, carrying seven people: a pilot, a co-pilot, and five passengers (four adults and one infant). The flight proceeded normally under visual meteorological conditions (VMC) at a flight level of 12,500 feet. ## Wildlife Strike During Landing During the final approach to Adicora Aerodrome, the pilot-in-command conducted a low pass over runway 08 to check for obstacles. After confirming the runway was clear, the aircraft landed. During the landing roll, after applying brakes and reverse thrust, a flock of 15 to 20 sheep suddenly crossed the runway. The impact could not be avoided. The pilot maintained control of the aircraft, keeping it centered on the runway, and the crew immediately shut off the fuel, electrical, and hydraulic systems. The crew was unharmed, and the aircraft sustained minor damage. ## Aircraft and Maintenance Details The aircraft was equipped with two Garrett AiResearch TPE331-5-254K turboprop engines, each generating approximately 717.5 to 840 shaft horsepower, and featured full-range reversible propellers. The maximum takeoff weight was 4,649 kg. At the time of the incident, the aircraft was airworthy, holding a valid certificate of airworthiness issued by the Venezuelan aeronautical authority (INAC). Maintenance was performed by OMAC N° 104 AEROCENTRO DE SERVICIOS, located at Oscar Machado Zuloaga International Airport in Charallave, Miranda State. ## Crew Qualifications The pilot-in-command, aged 66, held a valid medical certificate and Commercial Helicopter Pilot license issued by INAC, with instrument flight and multi-engine land (AC90) ratings valid until March 31, 2026. The co-pilot, aged 32, held a valid medical certificate and Commercial Helicopter Pilot license issued by INAC, with instrument flight, multi-engine land (AC90), and C550 Captain/PIC ratings valid until October 30, 2026. ## Investigation and Findings The investigation involved requesting aircraft documents, crew licenses, and maintenance records from the aeronautical authority and OMAC N° 104. Inspections of the aircraft and engines were conducted by OMAC technicians, including non-destructive testing (NDT). Visual inspections revealed bent propeller blades, damage to the DME/transponder antenna, a fractured drag brace on the left main landing gear, deformation of the right main landing gear door, deformation of the right engine radiator air intake grilles, and a ruptured hydraulic line in the right main landing gear brake assembly. Engine inspections found a fractured torsion shaft in the right engine and a damaged torque sensor. ## Probable Cause and Preventive Measures The Accident Investigation Board (JIAAC) classified the event as a serious incident involving a wildlife collision (WILD) of high severity during the critical landing phase. The primary causal factor was identified as the permeability of the movement area perimeter, specifically the absence of a continuous and robust perimeter fence. This infrastructure failure, combined with the aerodrome's uncontrolled status and lack of air traffic control (ATC) services, eliminated necessary protective layers to prevent unnoticed wildlife entry. The investigation was ongoing at the time of the report. Preventive measures recommended to the airport authority included increased inspections of the movement area, immediate construction of a perimeter fence, and implementation of pre-operation runway inspections or ground security personnel. The aeronautical community was advised to reinforce low-pass procedures at uncontrolled aerodromes when runway integrity is in doubt.