On January 29, 2002, a PZL-Mielec AN-28 (registration YV-1043CP) operated by Raul Arias Betancourt was involved in an aviation accident near Kavak, Venezuela during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right main gear due to the presence of fatigue cracks. The poor runway conditions was a contributing factor. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
After landing on a dirt runway, the right main gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to veer off and come to rest. All 17 occupants escaped uninjured. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Accident Details
Following touchdown on the dirt runway 06/24 at Kavak Airstrip, the aircraft's right main gear collapsed. The loss of the gear caused the aircraft to go out of control, veering off the runway to the right before coming to rest. The runway conditions at the time of the accident were poor.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair. All 17 occupants on board escaped the accident uninjured.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be failure of the right main gear due to the presence of fatigue cracks. The poor runway conditions were identified as a contributing factor.