What happened
On November 19, 2022, a Cessna 150-M, registration LV-FCB, departed from the Batán aerodrome in Buenos Aires province for a general aviation pleasure flight. During the final approach, the pilot experienced a physiological disturbance that prevented a successful landing, prompting an initial go-around. During a second landing attempt, the pilot again experienced physical distress but proceeded with the touchdown. This resulted in an abnormal contact with the runway.
The aircraft initially touched down in the first third of runway 04. Following two bounces, the nose gear collapsed on the third contact, causing the propeller to strike the ground. The aircraft came to a stop approximately 4/30 meters from the start of the runway. There were no fatalities and the pilot sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's medical state after technical inspections of the Cessna 150-M revealed no mechanical failures contributing to the event. The aircraft was found to be airworthy and maintained according to manufacturer standards.
During interviews, the pilot reported feeling excessive heat, heaviness, dizziness, and sweating during the pre-flight inspection and throughout the flight. Although the pilot had slept well and eaten, the investigation noted that the pilot had eaten lunch in an area exposed to the sun. The pilot, who had recently obtained their private pilot license with only 3.4 total flight hours, described a sensation of an imminent faint during the final stages of the landing.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained significant damage due to the abnormal runway contact.
- The pilot experienced symptoms of heat exhaustion and mild dehydration, which led to a partial incapacitation.
- These physiological symptoms diminished the pilot's ability to maintain adequate control of the aircraft during the landing phase.