Flight Summary
On November 20, 2021, at 12:00 UTC, a Cessna 152 (registration LV-BXJ) departed General Pico aerodrome, La Pampa, on a private general aviation flight to Intendente Alvear aerodrome. At approximately 12:35 UTC, the pilot overflew the destination to identify the active runway and joined the traffic circuit for runway 36. The aircraft touched down on the right side of the strip, which was a plowed field used for agricultural production. After traveling about 150 meters, the nose gear collapsed and the airplane overturned.
Investigation
The investigation team inspected the wreckage, photographed the scene, interviewed the pilot and aerodrome personnel, and reviewed documentation. No evidence of mechanical or engine failure was found. The aircraft's annual inspection (Form 337) had expired in September 2021. The pilot's Aeronautical Medical Certificate had expired in March 2021. The pilot held a private pilot license issued on March 30, 2019, with a total flight time of 21.4 hours, of which 3.6 hours were logged in the 60 days prior to the accident. The pilot was registered as authorized to operate the aircraft.
Runway Condition
Runway 36 markings, including designation, threshold, and edge markings, were observed to be in poor condition and did not meet the maintenance standards specified in RAAC Part 153 (non-paved area maintenance) and Part 154 (markings for unpaved runways).
Pilot Interview
The pilot stated that upon arrival, he performed an overhead reconnaissance before initiating the approach. After completing the traffic circuit and cockpit checks, he proceeded to land in the area he had identified. The pilot reported exiting the aircraft unaided and without injury. He then realized that the landing had occurred on a plowed field adjacent to the actual runway.
Probable Cause
The accident occurred due to a landing on a plowed field adjacent to the runway, causing the nose gear to collapse and the aircraft to overturn. The pilot misidentified the landing point because of the poor condition of the runway markings and lack of maintenance of the non-paved runway.