What happened
On 20 February 2021, an AEROSPOOL WT9 DYNAMIC LSA CLUB, registration EC-MVK, was performing a recreational flight at Casarrubios del Monte Aerodrome in Toledo. The flight, which began and ended at the same base, was part of a local circuit. During the final approach on runway 08, the pilot was utilizing flaps 3, a setting typically used for short-field operations.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced a "ballooning" effect, where the aircraft gained altitude after the initial flare. The pilot attempted to correct this by increasing engine power, but the aircraft bounced a second time with greater force. This second impact caused the nose landing gear to buckle and the nose wheel to rupture. Following this impact, the aircraft slid across the runway asphalt and veered off the right side of the runway. The engine was at full power during the excursion, which resulted in the destruction of the propeller blades upon contact with the ground. Both the pilot and the passenger were able to exit the aircraft without assistance and sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation focused on the sequence of the landing maneuver and the mechanical state of the aircraft. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, which showed that both the airframe and engine had undergone scheduled maintenance only 20 hours prior to the accident. Meteorological data from nearby stations indicated favorable flying conditions with light winds and no precipitation.
Investigators also analyzed the aircraft's integrated avionics system. Although the pilot provided data from the system's alert log, the specific "Black box" flight log data for the accident flight was unavailable. The investigation determined that the data had likely been overwritten during subsequent flights made by the pilot after the aircraft had been repaired but before the data could be downloaded. The commission noted that the delay in providing this data was due to a lack of cooperation from the pilot.
Findings
- The aircraft was maintained in accordance with its scheduled maintenance program.
- The primary cause of the accident was a poorly executed landing manoeuvre, characterized by an excessive speed during the flare which led to the uncontrolled bouncing.
- The flight data download was performed too late due to the pilot's failure to provide the requested information in a timely manner.