Aliansa DC-3T Runway Excursion at San Felipe: Investigation Reveals Contributing Factors

San Felipe, Colombia – On April 8th, 2022, an Aliansa Douglas DC-3T, registered HK-5016, experienced a runway excursion while landing at San Felipe airstrip, Colombia. The aircraft, carrying six people, veered off the dirt runway during its landing roll, resulting in the collapse of the right main gear strut. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers and crew, but the incident highlighted serious safety concerns at the airstrip.

Incident Overview

The aircraft was approaching San Felipe’s dirt runway from the south, landing in a northerly direction (approximately 340 degrees). During the landing roll, the DC-3T veered left off the runway, ultimately coming to a stop with the right main landing gear strut collapsed. Initial reports from Colombia’s Aerocivil suggested that a tyre or wheel failure may have caused the aircraft to lose directional control and veer off the runway.

Investigation Findings

Colombia’s Grupo de Investigación de Accidentes e Incidentes Aéreos (GRIAA) launched an investigation into the incident. The final report, published by Colombia’s DIACC, concluded that the primary cause of the runway excursion was the sudden loss of pressure in the left main landing gear tyre. The tyre was punctured by an iron rod that was lying on the runway surface, leading to the aircraft’s loss of control.

The investigation uncovered several contributing factors, primarily related to the deficient maintenance and safety conditions at San Felipe airstrip. The report highlighted the presence of foreign object debris (FOD) on the runway, the absence of a regular maintenance program, and the lack of a perimeter fence to prevent such debris from entering the runway area. These deficiencies were not new; similar safety concerns had been raised in a previous incident in 2018, where another DC-3 experienced a runway excursion due to foreign object debris.

The condition of the safety areas surrounding the runway was also cited as a contributing factor. The report noted that these areas were irregular, uneven, and waterlogged, which exacerbated the damage to the aircraft once it veered off the runway.

Recurring Safety Issues

One of the most concerning aspects of the investigation was the finding that the aerodrome administration had failed to implement safety recommendations from the 2018 incident. This previous occurrence, involving foreign object debris on the runway, should have prompted improvements in runway maintenance and safety protocols. However, the lack of action contributed to the recurrence of similar issues in the 2022 incident.

The failure to address these safety concerns not only led to the incident with the Aliansa DC-3T but also raised questions about the overall safety culture and regulatory oversight at San Felipe and similar remote airstrips in Colombia.

Broader Implications for Aviation Safety

The findings from this investigation underscore the critical importance of maintaining and enforcing rigorous safety standards at all airstrips, especially those in remote or less-developed areas. The presence of foreign object debris on runways poses a significant risk to aircraft operations, and the failure to maintain clean and safe runway conditions can lead to catastrophic consequences.

Moreover, the incident serves as a reminder that recommendations from previous safety investigations must be diligently followed and implemented to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents. The lack of follow-through on safety recommendations not only endangers lives but also undermines the integrity of aviation safety protocols.

Conclusion

The runway excursion of the Aliansa Douglas DC-3T at San Felipe on April 8th, 2022, highlights serious deficiencies in runway maintenance and safety management at the airstrip. The GRIAA’s investigation revealed that the incident was preventable and that it was largely the result of avoidable factors such as foreign object debris on the runway and inadequate safety area conditions.

As aviation authorities in Colombia and beyond reflect on this incident, there is an urgent need to reinforce the importance of adhering to safety recommendations and ensuring that all airstrips, regardless of their location, meet the necessary safety standards to protect passengers, crew, and aircraft.