Flight Resume
On 27 November 2023 at 22:52 UTC, a Hamilton Vans RV-6A, registration LV-X429, operated by a private owner, was conducting a local general aviation training flight from General Rodríguez Aerodrome in Buenos Aires province. The aircraft had departed at 22:32 UTC. During the landing phase on runway 17, it made an abnormal runway contact, bouncing up to three times before the nose landing gear collapsed, causing the propeller to strike the ground. The aircraft nosed over and came to rest approximately 274 meters from the end of the runway. No debris scatter was observed.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the first touchdown occurred in the second third of runway 17, which had its threshold displaced by 700 meters due to ongoing works. After three bounces, the nose gear collapsed, leading to the propeller impact and nose-over. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including broken nose gear, propeller damage, and damage to wing tips, elevator, vertical stabilizer, and cockpit.
No pre-existing mechanical malfunctions were found; the aircraft was certified and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications. The pilot reported being aware of the displaced threshold via NOTAM but indicated this was his first time operating on runway 17 with the displacement. During the approach, he extended the initial leg to accommodate another aircraft on base leg and increased power in the final phase to clear marked obstacles and reach the displaced threshold, which he stated conditioned his landing.
Runway Information
The aerodrome has a single runway oriented 17-35. At the time of the accident, runway 17 had a displaced threshold due to construction, reducing the available landing distance to 840 meters. The displacement was published in a NOTAM.
Pilot Experience
The pilot held a private pilot license and had accumulated 398 total flight hours, with 17 hours in the preceding 90 days and 0.5 hours in the last 30 days.