What happened
On September 20, 2022, a Twin Commander 690, registration LV-BCJ, was performing a ferry flight from San Fernando to the Apóstoles Aerodrome in the province of Misiones. During the landing phase, the aircraft experienced an abnormal contact with the runway. The impact caused the left main landing gear to collapse and the aircraft to slide approximately 150 meters on its fuselage. This movement resulted in the propeller blades striking the pavement, causing them to deform and the engine to stop abruptly. While the aircraft sustained significant damage to the fuselage and landing gear, the crew and passengers escaped without injuries.
The investigation
The investigation established that the flight crew had no prior experience operating at the Apóstoles Aerodrome. During the final approach to runway 24, the crew emerged from a layer of fog and identified the runway, deciding to proceed with the landing. However, the aircraft touched down to the left of the runway centerline with the landing gear in a crossed position, leading to the structural failure of the gear.
Investigators noted that the aerodrome lacked instrument approach systems and Fire and Rescue Services (SSEI). Meteorological data confirmed that fog was present at the time, which reduced horizontal visibility and lowered cloud ceilings. Furthermore, the technical analysis of the wreckage was severely hindered because the aircraft owner reported that many components had been stolen from the aircraft while it was stored near the runway.