Casualties unknown

2023-08-02: BEECH AIRCRAFT A‐100 (YV1838) — SEDONA AIRLINES, C. A — AEROPUERTO INTERNACIONAL “ARTURO, VE

AEROPUERTO INTERNACIONAL “ARTURO, VE

On August 2, 2023, a BEECH AIRCRAFT A‐100 (registration YV1838) operated by SEDONA AIRLINES, C. A was involved in an aviation accident near AEROPUERTO INTERNACIONAL “ARTURO, VE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The landing resulted in a belly landing and runway excursion due to a failure of the landing gear system. This summary draws on records from the Venezuelan Civil Aviation Accident Investigation Board (JIAAC Venezuela).

Sourcesthe Venezuelan Civil Aviation Accident Investigation Board (JIAAC Venezuela)Primary reportUpdated 1781150548Data APIEditorial standards

A Beechcraft A-100 experienced a landing gear failure during approach, resulting in a belly landing and runway excursion at Valencia International Airport.

What happened

On August 2, 2023, at 22:50 UTC, a Beechcraft A-100, registration YV1838, operated by SEDONA AIRLINES, C.A., was on final approach to Arturo Michelena International Airport (SVVA) in Valencia, Venezuela. The aircraft had departed from Barcelona, Anzoátegui (SVBC), carrying a pilot and three passengers.

During the landing phase, the aircraft experienced a landing gear failure, causing it to land on its belly. Following established procedures in the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH), the pilot shut down the engines upon recognizing the emergency. The aircraft slid along the runway for approximately 900 meters from the initial contact point before veering off the runway onto the south grass area of Runway 28. All four occupants were able to disembark unharmed, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The investigation

The JIAAC investigation involved a comprehensive review of flight logs, maintenance records, and pilot certifications. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance history, specifically focusing on services performed by OMAC-N°670 GRUPO VERUM, C.A. Physical inspections were conducted on the airframe, engines, and landing gear components.

Technical examinations of the two Garrett TPE-311-6-251B engines via borescope revealed no damage to the combustion chambers, first-stage compressors, or power turbine wheels. However, a detailed inspection of the airframe identified significant impact damage, including dented and fatigued gear doors (nose and main), detached hydraulic lines on the right main gear, and loss of fuselage antennas. The propellers also showed evidence of material fatigue and bending caused by the impact with the runway surface.

Probable cause

The landing resulted in a belly landing and runway excursion due to a failure of the landing gear system.

Investigation report by the Venezuelan Civil Aviation Accident Investigation Board (JIAAC Venezuela). Original record: https://www.mppt.gob.ve/download/176578/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Junta de Investigacion de Accidentes de Aviacion Civil (JIAAC), Venezuela - MppT.