What happened
On December 28, 2022, a Cessna C208B, registered as LV-KBM, was performing a non-scheduled commercial flight from Lago Cholila to Brigadier Parodi Airport in Esquel, Chubut. During the landing phase at the Esquel aerodrome, the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure involving its landing gear configuration. Specifically, as the aircraft touched down, the two dual covers on the rear left side of the landing gear floats burst.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the structural integrity of the aircraft's floats and the circumstances surrounding the landing. The flight involved a total of six occupants, including one crew member and five passengers. The aircraft was operating under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) at the time of the incident. The inspection confirmed that the damage was localized to the float covers and resulted in minor damage to the airframe.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the bursting of the two dual covers located on the rear left side of the landing gear floats during the landing roll.
- The aircraft was operating in a non-regular commercial capacity.
- There were no injuries reported among the crew or the passengers following the event.