What happened
On January 29, 2024, at 18:03 UTC, a Cessna 180A, registration LV-JZE, was performing a recreational flight when it arrived at Santa Rosa Airport (SAZR) in La Pampa, Argentina, for a scheduled refueling stop. The aircraft was operating on an itinerary from Ad. Brig. Gral. Antonio Parodi to Ad. Zarate.
During the landing phase on runway 19, the aircraft lost directional control and drifted to the right of the runway centerline. After traveling approximately 30 meters into the runway strip, the left main landing gear collapsed. The aircraft sustained significant damage as a result of the excursion.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the landing roll on runway 19. Investigators examined the aircraft's path after it departed the runway centerline and the subsequent mechanical failure of the landing gear. There were no injuries reported among the three people on board, which included the pilot and two passengers.
Findings
- The aircraft veered right of the runway axis during the landing phase.
- The collapse of the left main landing gear was the primary factor that brought the aircraft to a stop after it had already exited the paved surface.