No fatalities

2013-08-20: Swearingen SA227 Metro III (CP-2655) — Aerocon - Aero Comercial Oriente Norte — Sucre-Juana Azurduy de Padilla, Bolivia

Sucre-Juana Azurduy de Padilla, BoliviaLanding (descent or approach)

On August 20, 2013, a Swearingen SA227 Metro III (registration CP-2655) operated by Aerocon - Aero Comercial Oriente Norte was involved in an aviation accident near Sucre-Juana Azurduy de Padilla, Bolivia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control after landing due to the failure of the nosewheel steering system. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781194032Data APIEditorial standards

After an uneventful flight from Potosí, an aircraft veered left on landing at Sucre-Juana Azurduy de Padilla Airport, pivoted 90°, and came to rest in a ditch. All 10 occupants evacuated safely; aircraft damaged beyond repair.

Incident Details

Following an uneventful flight from Potosí, the crew initiated a descent to Runway 05 at Sucre-Juana Azurduy de Padilla Airport. Weather conditions were reported as good. After touchdown, as the aircraft slowed to approximately 50 knots, it deviated to the left, then abruptly pivoted 90° left, veering off the runway. The aircraft continued rolling for about 50 metres before coming to rest in a rocky ditch. No fire occurred during the event.

Occupants and Damage

All ten occupants on board evacuated the aircraft safely. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was a loss of control after landing due to the failure of the nosewheel steering system.