What happened
During the final approach phase of flight, the captain observed livestock positioned on the initial section of the runway. To prevent a collision with the animals, the pilot executed an extended flare maneuver, resulting in the aircraft touching down further along the runway than originally intended.
As the aircraft made contact with the wet runway surface, the left main landing gear encountered an uneven area in the terrain. This impact caused the left gear to collapse, forcing the aircraft to veer toward the left side of the runway. The movement continued until the plane came to a complete stop off the paved surface.
Findings
- The primary factor in the excursion was the pilot's decision to extend the flare to avoid cattle on the runway.
- The presence of an irregularity in the terrain contributed to the structural failure of the landing gear.
- The wet condition of the runway surface was present at the time of touchdown.
There were zero fatalities and zero injuries among the six people on board. While all occupants successfully evacuated the aircraft, the plane sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.