Cessna T206H Overruns Grass Runway After Long Landing

Casualties unknown • 9 Ave. 14-75 Aeropuerto Internacional La Aurora zona 13, GT

A Cessna T206H aircraft failed to stop on a wet grass runway in Escuintla, Guatemala, resulting in significant landing gear damage.

What happened

On July 23, 2013, a Cessna T206H, registration TG-GOM, was performing an approach to a grass airstrip located at Finca Belén, within the municipality of Santa Lucia Cotzumalguapa, Escuintla. The runway, measuring 700 meters in length and 30 meters in width, had been subjected to heavy rainfall earlier that morning, leaving the surface saturated with water.

During the landing sequence, the aircraft touched down significantly beyond the normal touchdown point. Due to the excessive touchdown speed and the lack of effective braking on the waterlogged grass, the pilot was unable to decelerate the aircraft within the remaining runway distance. The aircraft overran the end of the strip, coming to rest approximately 15 meters past the southern threshold. The impact caused the nose gear to detach, damage the left main landing gear support, and result in structural damage to the wingtip and propeller hub.

The investigation

The DGAC/UIA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, which showed the plane had undergone its 100-hour service in April 2013 and was within its operational limits. Investigators also reviewed meteorological data, confirming that while flight conditions were generally favorable, the recent rain had created a high level of moisture on the runway. The investigation included an analysis of the aircraft's mechanical state, finding no evidence of engine failure, fuel contamination, or malfunctions in the navigation or communication systems. The crew's performance was evaluated in the context of the runway conditions and the landing technique employed.

Findings

  • The aircraft was in a fully airworthy condition with all required documentation and maintenance up to date.
  • The runway surface was saturated with water due to morning rainfall, significantly reducing braking effectiveness.
  • The pilot performed a long landing at an airspeed exceeding the calculated approach speed for the threshold.
  • The pilot failed to adequately plan the landing maneuver in consideration of the known wet runway conditions.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a long landing performed at excessive speed on a wet, saturated grass runway, which prevented the aircraft from stopping before the end of the available landing area.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-07-23 aircraft accident near 9 Ave. 14-75 Aeropuerto Internacional La Aurora zona 13, GT?

A Cessna T206H aircraft failed to stop on a wet grass runway in Escuintla, Guatemala, resulting in significant landing gear damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-07-23 involved a aircraft, registration TG-GOM, at 9 Ave. 14-75 Aeropuerto Internacional La Aurora zona 13, GT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a long landing performed at excessive speed on a wet, saturated grass runway, which prevented the aircraft from stopping before the end of the available landing area.

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