What happened
On December 6, 2021, an Aero Boero 180 RVR, registration LV-ATS, was performing glider towing duties during the 68th National Glider Championship at the Ceres Aerodrome in Santa Fe, Argentina. After approximately 10 minutes of flight, the aircraft attempted to land on runway 05. During the landing roll, the aircraft lost control and overturned, traveling approximately 10 meters on its back.
At the time of the event, several gliders were positioned near the edge of the runway in a designated area, prepared for towing. The pilot attempted to avoid these gliders by applying the left brake, which led to the aircraft's instability.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight path, the aircraft's mechanical condition, and the pilot's maneuvers. Witnesses observed that the aircraft approached the runway at a speed exceeding the limits defined in the flight manual and entered the final approach segments much closer to the runway threshold than regulations allow. It was noted that the aircraft touched down on its main gear, but the tailwheel failed to make contact with the ground during the entire landing roll.
Investigators also inspected the braking system, which was found to be functioning correctly. However, the investigation revealed that the pilot's seat belt was not an aviation-approved component, lacked a shoulder harness, and was not properly secured to the aircraft structure. This discrepancy was not noted during the aircraft's most recent 100-hour inspection.
Findings
- The aircraft performed the approach at a speed higher than the manufacturer's specified limits.
- The pilot likely executed the base and final approach legs at a distance shorter than the minimums required by Argentine civil aviation regulations.
- The pilot felt pressured to maneuver away from the gliders positioned near the runway.
- The aircraft likely overturned due to excessive braking and over-control while the aircraft was supported only by the main landing gear.
- The braking system itself was found to be in proper working order.