Piper PA-28 Runway Excursion at Chacras del Faro Aerodrome (LV-LDR)

Incident Overview and Flight Details On May 4, 2023, at 18:30 UTC, a Piper PA-28 with registration LV-LDR was conducting a general aviation training flight at the private, uncontrolled Chacras del Faro aerodrome (CDF) in Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut Province, Argentina. The aircraft was owned by Aeroclub Las Heras and was performing a touch-and-go maneuver. During the landing phase on runway 10, the pilot applied power to initiate the subsequent takeoff. The aircraft subsequently lost directional control, deviated to the left, and exited the runway boundaries. The aircraft then crossed a depression, which resulted in the collapse of the nose landing gear. The pilot, holding a Private Pilot License, evacuated the aircraft independently and sustained no injuries. The aircraft sustained significant damage. ## Investigation and Operational Context The incident was reported in a timely manner, and aerodrome personnel provided photographic evidence to the investigation. The aircraft was subsequently moved to a hangar for secure storage. According to the pilot's testimony, the flight had proceeded normally until the maneuver in question. The pilot noted that a crosswind component was present during the approach and landing, and appropriate drift corrections were made. After touchdown, the pilot applied power to accelerate for the next phase of the flight. The aircraft then yawed and skidded to the left. Unable to maintain directional control on the runway, the pilot reduced power and, upon realizing the aircraft was leaving the runway surface, shut down the engine. The pilot had previously obtained validation of military flight hours from the National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC), which issued a certificate recording 167.2 hours of flight time. Additionally, the pilot's logbook indicated four additional hours in the involved aircraft at the time of the accident. The pilot held a valid Class 2 Aeromedical Certificate, which was valid until March 31, 2025. ## Aerodrome and Meteorological Information Chacras del Faro (CDF) is a private, uncontrolled aerodrome located 12.5 km northeast of Comodoro Rivadavia. It has an elevation of 42 meters (138 feet) above mean sea level and features a 420-meter by 18-meter dirt runway oriented 10/28. To the left of runway 10, the terrain remains level for approximately 30 meters from the centerline, followed by a drop of about one meter and a descending slope toward the coast. Meteorological conditions at the time and location of the incident were reported by the National Meteorological Service (SMN).