What happened
On the evening of January 14, 2018, a Cessna 150 F, registration LV-FKX, was conducting a private recreational flight. After a brief flight to Villa Dolores, the pilot returned to Valle del Conlara Airport. The approach was conducted via a long final at 3,000 feet, with the pilot maintaining a 70 mph airspeed and utilizing 10 degrees of flaps.
As the aircraft neared the ground, the pilot adjusted the aircraft's attitude and momentarily diverted their gaze to monitor the airspeed indicator. During this period, the main landing gear made contact with the asphalt surface 3.6 meters before the start of the runway pavement. While attempting to maintain a nose-high attitude for aerodynamic braking, the nose gear and propeller struck a threshold marker beacon. The aircraft continued along the runway for approximately 200 meters before coming to a complete stop. The pilot, who sustained no injuries, exited the aircraft and moved it toward a hangar after inspecting the damage.
The investigation
The Argentine investigation examined the flight path, the environmental conditions, and the aircraft's mechanical state. Investigators noted that the incident occurred during twilight, with the sun positioned below the horizon to the pilot's right. The investigation also reviewed the airport's operational status, noting that the aerodrome was operating as uncontrolled and was scheduled to be closed for all night operations.
Technical analysis of the impact site revealed that the main gear touched down 16 meters before the designated touchdown zone. The investigation also addressed the handling of the scene, noting that the aircraft was moved from its landing position by the pilot before the official investigation could begin, and the event was not reported until the following day.
Findings
- The aircraft utilized a non-standard approach pattern, entering the traffic pattern on a long final.
- Twilight lighting conditions likely caused a misperception of the touchdown zone by the pilot.
- The landing occurred very close to the transition from twilight to night operations.
- The aircraft touched down short of the runway threshold, leading to the collision with the threshold beacon.