What happened
On January 16, 2016, a CESSNA L19-A, registration EC-DRN, operated by the Club de vuelo a vela Igualada-Ódena, completed a glider tow operation at the Igualada-Ódena aerodrome in Barcelona. After successfully releasing the glider, the pilot landed normally on the grass runway 35.
Following the landing, the pilot taxied to the end of the runway and initiated a 180-degree anti-clockwise turn to realign with the asphalt runway 17. During this high-speed ground maneuver, the aircraft was struck by a wind gust from behind. The force of the wind, combined with the momentum of the turn, lifted the tail of the aircraft, causing it to nose over and come to rest in an inverted position on the runway.
The pilot was able to shut off the electrical power and exit the aircraft uninjured. The aircraft sustained significant damage to the propeller, engine cowling, wing, and the left wing strut, along with damage to the upper fuselage and rudder.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, weight and balance, and local meteorological data. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was within its proper weight and balance limits at the time of the event. Meteorological data from the nearby Manresa station indicated that at the time of the accident, winds were blowing from the northwest (300°) at approximately 16 km/h, with maximum gusts reaching 36 km/h.
Analysis of the aircraft's movement revealed that as the pilot performed the anti-clockwise turn to align with runway 17, the aircraft momentarily aligned with the direction of the wind. This alignment allowed a tailwind gust to strike the aircraft from the rear.
Findings
- The aircraft had just completed a glider towing operation and landed without incident.
- The aircraft was within its certified weight and balance limits.
- The accident was caused by the confluence of forces generated during a high-speed ground turn and the impact of a tailwind gust.