What happened
On January 10, 2003, a Cessna 206-F, registration EC-ERM, was performing a positioning flight from Gando Airport to El Berriel Aerodrome in Gran Canaria. The flight was initiated to refuel the aircraft after running out of fuel at the departure location.
The pilot landed on runway 07 at approximately 14:00 local time. During the landing roll, after traversing roughly one-third of the runway, the aircraft drifted off the right edge of the pavement. The aircraft continued to taxi across the adjacent terrain until the right main landing gear struck a depression in the ground, causing the aircraft to overturn. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation examined the meteorological conditions, the aircraft's flight path, and the physical damage sustained. Investigators noted that the aircraft suffered significant structural damage, including a destroyed nose gear, twisted main gear components, and damage to the wings, vertical stabilizer, and propeller.
Meteorological data and pilot testimony revealed highly unstable wind conditions. While the initial approach featured a 4-knot headwind, the wind shifted significantly during the landing roll. Witnesses and onboard observations indicated that the wind transitioned from a headwind to a 20-knot tailwind and eventually to a strong crosswind. The pilot reported a specific gust from the left exceeding 25 knots, which pushed the aircraft off the runway.
Findings
- The aircraft was a high-wing design, making it particularly sensitive to aerodynamic disturbances during landing.
- The wind conditions at the aerodrome were characterized by rapid shifts in direction and intensity, a common occurrence at El Berriel.
- The estimated crosswind gusts during the event exceeded the maximum demonstrated crosswind component of approximately 20 knots for this aircraft type.
- The presence of turbulence near the center of the runway caused the aircraft to bounce, preventing it from remaining firmly planted on the pavement.
- Severe wind turbulence and shifting winds caused the loss of directional control on the ground.