What happened
On January 17, 2020, an MS 892 E-150, registration SP-IKY, was performing a private flight from El Berriel aerodrome to La Gomera airport and back. The flight included a 30-minute stopover at La Gomera. Upon returning to El Berriel, the pilot attempted to land on runway 07.
An initial landing attempt was unsuccessful due to wind gusts. During the second approach, the pilot reported a speed of approximately 150 km/h with flaps extended. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced on the runway. The impact, combined with crosswind gusts, caused the aircraft to rise and then descend for a second, more violent contact with the pavement. This sequence resulted in the collapse of the nose landing gear and caused the propeller blades to strike the runway surface.
Both the pilot and the passenger escaped the aircraft without injuries.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's credentials, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the event. The investigation noted that the aircraft was not equipped with flight data recorders or cockpit voice recorders.
Investigators analyzed the aircraft's operational manual, which specifies that the indicated touchdown speed should be 100 km/h (54 kt) and provides specific speed limits for flap deployment. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight history and the mechanical state of the aircraft following the impact.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the incorrect completion of the approach and landing maneuver due to excessive speed.
- The aircraft's speed during the final approach (approximately 150 km/h) significantly exceeded the limits established in the pilot's operating manual.
- The high speed likely caused the initial touchdown to be unstable, leading to a bounce that triggered the automatic deployment of the slats as the aircraft slowed.
- The subsequent rebound and second abnormal contact with the runway led to the structural failure of the nose gear and damage to the propeller.
- Meteorological conditions, while involving wind gusts, were not considered limiting for the flight.