What happened
On August 8, 2018, a private Piper PA-31T, registration LV-LTV, was conducting a general aviation ferry flight from San Fernando International Airport to a private airstrip known as "Establecimiento La María Pilar" in Catriló, La Pampa.
During the landing phase on runway 18, the aircraft made contact with the ground before reaching the runway threshold. After the initial touchdown, the aircraft traveled approximately 50 meters before initiating a rightward turn and subsequently skidding on its left side. The impact caused significant damage to the left wing, engine, and propeller. All four occupants—the pilot and three passengers—exited the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight path, mechanical condition, and meteorological environment. Technical inspections confirmed the aircraft was maintained according to manufacturer standards, and no pre-existing mechanical failures were identified as contributing factors.
Investigators analyzed tire marks on the runway, which indicated that while the initial touchdown was normal, the right wing lifted during the rollout. This movement caused the right landing gear to lift off the ground, compromising directional control and forcing the aircraft into a rightward arc. As the aircraft drifted nearly 90 degrees from the runway centerline, the left main landing gear collapsed under the resulting stresses, leading to the wing and propeller striking the terrain.
Meteorological data from nearby stations in General Pico and Santa Rosa indicated that at the time of the accident, winds were approximately 27 knots from 200 degrees, with gusts reaching 34 knots from 180 degrees. While the crosswind component of 9 knots was within the aircraft's demonstrated limit of 16 knots, the presence of significant gusts was noted.
Findings
- The final approach trajectory was improper, as the aircraft made contact with the ground prior to the runway threshold.
- Wind-induced wing lift on the right side caused the loss of directional control.
- The aircraft's path deviated significantly from the runway centerline, leading to the collapse of the left main landing gear.