What happened
On November 20, 2021, a Cessna 152, registration LV-BXJ, was conducting a general aviation flight from General Pico to Intendente Alvear in the La Pampa province of Argentina. Upon arrival at approximately 12:35 UTC, the pilot performed a reconnaissance flight over the airfield to identify the active runway and entered the traffic pattern for runway 36.
During the landing phase, the aircraft made contact with the ground on the right side of the runway strip. The aircraft traveled approximately 150 meters across a plowed field intended for agricultural production before the nose gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to capsize. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft uninjured.
The investigation
The JST investigation included an inspection of the wreckage, terrain evaluation, and interviews with the pilot and airfield personnel. Investigators found no evidence of mechanical or engine failure contributing to the event. However, the probe revealed that the aircraft's annual inspection had expired in September 2021, and the pilot's medical certificate had been invalid since March 2021.
Furthermore, the investigation of runway 36 revealed that the markings for the threshold and runway edges did not meet the maintenance standards required by the Argentine Civil Aviation Regulations (RAAC) Parts 153 and 154 regarding unpaved aerodromes.
Findings
- The primary contributing factor was the poor maintenance of runway markings, which likely caused the pilot to confuse the plowed field with the actual runway.
- The aircraft's annual airworthiness documentation was expired.
- The pilot was operating with an expired medical certificate.
Safety action
- The aircraft owner/operator should implement management controls to ensure continuous airworthiness and verify the validity of all regulatory documentation for both aircraft and personnel.
- The management of Intendente Alvear aerodrome must ensure that runway markings and unpaved areas are maintained in accordance with RAAC Part 153 and Part 154 to guarantee safe operations.