On September 9, 2024, an Aerovías DAP DHC-8-402, registered as CC-DHT, experienced a significant incident when it suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams-Guardiamarina Zanartu Airport (WPU) in Chile. This event, which occurred while the aircraft was arriving from Punta Arenas, marks a notable occurrence for Aerovías DAP, a company known for its operations in some of the most challenging terrains in South America.
Nuevo avión DASH8 de DAP sufre accidente (Tailstrike) en Puerto Williams por viento cruzado, se evalúan daños en el avión recién inaugurado
— 𝗖é𝘀𝗮𝗿 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘇𝗮𝗱𝗮 𝗥. (@cesar_quezada) September 9, 2024
CHILE DEBE INVERTIR URGENTE EN MEJORAR LA SEGURIDAD Y ALARGAR ESA PISTA #puq #PuertoWilliams pic.twitter.com/2cM2eMrkzq
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The DHC-8-402, commonly known as the Dash 8, is a series of turboprop-powered regional airliners, and this particular aircraft had been in service with Aerovías DAP for just over two months, having been delivered in July 2024. Tail strikes, where the tail of an aircraft contacts the runway during landing, are not uncommon but are typically associated with pilot error, such as landing with too high a pitch angle or excessive speed, or environmental factors like strong crosswinds or gusts. The incident at Puerto Williams, which took place around 11:07 local time (14:07 UTC), was immediately noted for its severity due to the visible damage to the aircraft's tail section. According to reports and videos circulating on social media platforms, the aircraft touched down on runway 26, but the tail section made contact with the runway surface, leading to immediate concerns over structural integrity. Despite the dramatic nature of the incident, there were no reported injuries among the passengers or crew, which is a testament to the aircraft's design and the pilot's handling post-incident.
The weather conditions at the time of landing were challenging, with reports indicating significant wind speeds and gusts, which could have contributed to the tail strike. The METARs (aviation routine weather reports) from around the time of the incident described conditions with wind speeds up to 25 knots with gusts, visibility at 9999 meters, and cloud cover varying from few to overcast at different altitudes. These conditions suggest that the landing was conducted under less-than-ideal circumstances, potentially exacerbating the risk of a tail strike. Following the incident, the aircraft was grounded at Puerto Williams Airport for a thorough inspection. Tail strikes can lead to significant structural damage, not only at the point of impact but potentially affecting the airframe's integrity due to the forces involved.
Engineers and safety investigators from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of Chile (DGAC) were likely involved in assessing the damage, determining the cause, and deciding on the next steps for the aircraft. This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks in aviation, especially in remote and challenging environments like those serviced by Aerovías DAP. While the immediate aftermath focused on the safety of the passengers and crew, the long-term implications might involve a review of operational procedures, pilot training for specific airports, and possibly infrastructure improvements. For Aerovías DAP, managing such incidents effectively is crucial not only for safety but also for maintaining passenger confidence in flying to and from some of the world's most isolated regions.