On September 19, 1992, a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) (registration E-180) operated by Ecuadorian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Ecuatoriana was involved in an aviation accident near Capahuari, Ecuador during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A sudden rain squall caused the pilot to lose visual references, leading to a runway impact and subsequent excursion into a ravine. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A single-engine aircraft veered off the runway and entered a ravine during its final approach to Capahuari due to a sudden rain squall.
What happened
During the final approach phase of the flight into Capahuari, the aircraft encountered a sudden rain squall that obscured the pilot's view of the ground. While attempting to land, the single-engine aircraft made contact with the surface of runway 36, resulting in a bounce. Following this impact, the aircraft became uncontrollable and drifted toward the left side of the runway. The flight ended when the plane exited the paved surface and settled in a nearby ravine.
Findings
The primary factor in the loss of control was the sudden loss of visual contact with the ground caused by heavy precipitation.
The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
There were two injuries reported among the occupants, though both were classified as minor.
The incident occurred during the landing phase of the flight.
Probable cause
A sudden rain squall caused the pilot to lose visual references, leading to a runway impact and subsequent excursion into a ravine.
