What happened
On June 30, 2023, at approximately 14:30 UTC, a Cessna 150L, registration LV-INK, was completing a 50-minute local flight training session at the Gálvez Aerodrome in Santa Fe, Argentina. After landing, the instructor and student pilot performed a 180-degree turn and began taxiing toward the apron along the right edge of the grass runway. During this taxi phase, the aircraft's nose gear sank into an ant nest located on the airfield surface. The sudden impact caused the propeller to strike the ground, resulting in an immediate engine stoppage and significant damage to the engine mount. The crew successfully followed emergency shutdown procedures, and both occupants exited the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
The JST investigation focused on the condition of the airfield surface and the mechanical integrity of the aircraft. Investigators examined the engine mount and nose gear components using non-destructive testing, which ruled out pre-existing fatigue or corrosion as causes for the damage. The investigation also reviewed meteorological data, which showed no adverse weather conditions at the time of the event, though recent rainfall had been recorded in the area. Furthermore, the JST interviewed the aerodrome manager regarding maintenance protocols. While the manager reported that the runway was inspected following the accident and no other holes were found, the investigation noted a lack of formal documentation or logs to verify the frequency or adequacy of routine runway inspections.
Findings
- The primary cause of the damage was the nose gear entering an ant nest located on the runway margin.
- Soft ground conditions, resulting from recent precipitation, contributed to the collapse of the surface under the weight of the aircraft.
- The absence of documented inspection records prevented the verification of consistent preventive maintenance for the airfield infrastructure.