What happened
During a delivery mission destined for Colombia, an aircraft was performing its final approach at Cayenne-Rochambeau-Félix Eboué Airport. While flying at an altitude of approximately 9 metres, the aircraft experienced a sudden increase in its sink rate. This resulted in a heavy nose-first impact upon touching the runway.
Following the initial contact, the nose landing gear failed, causing the aircraft to slide across the ground for several dozen metres before the motion ceased. While the four occupants on board managed to exit the aircraft without sustaining any injuries, the aircraft was determined to be a total loss due to damage sustained during the impact.
Findings
- The aircraft entered a high sink rate during the final stages of the approach.
- The structural failure of the nose gear was a direct consequence of the hard touchdown.