On November 12, 1992, a Swearingen SA227 Metro III (registration N3044J) operated by Aerodinos was involved in an aviation accident near Trinidad, Bolivia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft veered right during the takeoff roll and exited the runway, leading to a nose gear collapse on soft ground. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft veered off the runway during its takeoff roll, resulting in a nose gear collapse and significant damage to the airframe.
What happened
During the initial stages of the takeoff roll, the aircraft began to deviate toward the right side of the runway. This lateral movement continued until the plane exited the paved surface and entered soft ground. Upon encountering the unpaved terrain, the force of the impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse. The aircraft eventually came to a complete stop following the excursion.
Despite the severity of the impact, all 16 occupants were able to exit the aircraft without injury. The incident resulted in the aircraft being declared a total loss, as the structural damage was deemed beyond repair.
Findings
The aircraft departed the runway following a rightward deviation during the takeoff phase.
Contact with soft ground led to the structural failure of the nose gear.
Probable cause
The aircraft veered right during the takeoff roll and exited the runway, leading to a nose gear collapse on soft ground.