What happened
On July 17, 2021, at approximately 18:00 UTC, a Cessna C182 B, registration LV-GXN, was performing a takeoff from runway 33 at Ezpeleta Aerodrome in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The flight was a general aviation pleasure flight. During the takeoff roll, the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft, leading to a runway excursion. The aircraft traveled approximately 400 meters along the runway before coming to a stop on the left side of the runway strip, where it subsequently overturned. There were no fatalities and no injuries reported among the two occupants.
The investigation
The investigation examined the meteorological conditions, the aircraft's mechanical state, and the pilot's operational awareness. Investigators found that the aircraft was maintained according to manufacturer standards, and the braking and steering systems were fully functional.
Meteorological data indicated that while the pilot had reviewed a METAR from a nearby major airport, the specific conditions at Ezpeleta included a steady wind of 15 knots with gusts reaching up to 25 knots. These winds were coming from a West-Southwest direction, creating a significant crosswind component relative to runway 33. The investigation also noted that the surrounding semi-urban environment, filled with hangars and trees, likely intensified these wind gusts and shears. Furthermore, the flight manual for the LV-GXN did not specify a demonstrated maximum crosswind component for takeoff operations.
Findings
- The takeoff was conducted with a high crosswind component.
- The pilot lacked specific information regarding the presence, direction, and intensity of the wind gusts.
- The aircraft's flight manual lacked data regarding the maximum demonstrated crosswind velocity for takeoff.
- The interaction of the wind with ground obstacles likely exacerbated wind shear and gusts.
- The loss of control was likely driven by the aerodynamic tendency of the aircraft to weathercock into the wind, compounded by engine torque and P-factor, which the pilot could not sufficiently counteract.