What happened
On February 14, 2021, a Cessna 172N, registration TG-AER, was performing a supervised flight instruction maneuver at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. The flight was intended to follow a standard visual flight pattern, consisting of a takeoff, a circuit, and a landing. During the final approach, the aircraft was traveling at an airspeed of 65 knots, which was significantly higher than the speeds prescribed in the aircraft's flight manual. This excessive speed led to a landing error where the nose gear made initial contact with the runway, causing the aircraft to bounce and subsequently depart the runway surface.
The investigation
The DGAC/UIA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's qualifications, and the environmental conditions at the time of the event. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was fully airworthy and had been maintained according to the manufacturer's program. Meteorological conditions were found to be optimal for visual flight and were not a contributing factor. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's training and physical condition, finding no evidence of physiological or psychological impairment. The technical inspection of the aircraft's systems and controls revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions prior to the incident.
Findings
- The primary contributing factor was the pilot's approach speed exceeding the limits established in the flight manual.
- The aircraft's nose gear made initial contact with the runway, triggering a series of bounces.
- The aircraft was in a state of full airworthiness with no mechanical discrepancies found in the maintenance logs.
- The pilot was a qualified Private Pilot with appropriate ratings for single-engine land operations.
Safety action
- Operational personnel should thoroughly read, interpret, and review the aircraft flight manual before flight, rather than relying on memorized procedures.
- Pilots must ensure they can correctly differentiate between instrument units, specifically distinguishing between Knots and Nautical Miles.
- Flight instructors should emphasize the importance of reviewing aircraft-specific navigation instruments and flight manuals to prevent the omission of critical checklist items.