On November 27, 2001, a Swearingen SA226 Metro II (registration LV-WSD) operated by Aerocassa was involved in an aviation accident near Bahía Blanca, Argentina during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft veered off runway after landing due to the possible combination of the following factors: - A possible (but not confirmed) failure or malfunction of the left engine reverse thrust system, - Crosswind close to the maximums specified in the flight… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
After a routine flight from Buenos Aires, an aircraft veered off runway 34R during landing at Bahía Blanca, losing its nose gear. All three occupants escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Incident Details
The aircraft had completed an uneventful flight from Buenos Aires-Ezeiza-Ministro Pistarini Airport and initiated a night approach to Bahía Blanca-Comandante Espora Airport. The approach and landing on runway 34R were considered normal. After touchdown, the crew began the braking procedure. The aircraft rolled for approximately 1,200 meters before it started to deviate to the right. It veered off the runway, continued rolling for about 150 meters, then lost its nose gear and came to a halt. All three occupants exited the aircraft uninjured. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause as the aircraft veering off the runway after landing due to the possible combination of the following factors: a possible (but not confirmed) failure or malfunction of the left engine reverse thrust system; crosswind close to the maximums specified in the flight manual; lack of corrective actions on the part of the crew who failed to identify a possible failure; and inappropriate use of the nosewheel steering system.