What happened
On 29 April 2017, a Socata TB-20 Trinidad, registration D-ECJP, was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Mutxamel to Granada. The aircraft was part of a group of eight aircraft traveling from Germany for an air tour. After refueling at Mutxamel, the crew proceeded along the coastline, maintaining an altitude of approximately 1,000 ft.
During the final segment of the flight, the aircraft turned north toward the visual approach pattern for Granada. While operating in the vicinity of the Sierra de Tejeda, the aircraft entered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The aircraft subsequently impacted the side of a foothill in the Sierra de Tejeda, resulting in three fatalities and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation focused on the transition from VFR to IMC and the communications between the crew and air traffic control. The investigation examined radio transcripts between the aircraft and Málaga Approach, which revealed that the crew had requested to climb to 5,000 ft. The controller instructed the pilot to climb to 5,500 ft and stated the flight could continue at the pilot's discretion.
Investigators analyzed the weather conditions, noting that a storm with a dual front was affecting the region, bringing rain and low visibility. The investigation also looked into the crew's interpretation of the controller's instructions, noting that the unexpected format of the communications might have contributed to the crew's uncertainty regarding their altitude and route.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of visual references while the aircraft was conducting a VFR flight.
- The crew entered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) without taking corrective action or requesting a change to a special VFR plan.
- The pilot's flight planning was insufficient regarding the terrain contour and mountainous obstacles along the route.
- There was a mistaken belief by the crew that an altitude of 5,500 ft provided adequate obstacle clearance.
- Weather forecasts had previously warned of adverse phenomena, including clouds with bases as low as 1,000 ft and low visibility, which the crew failed to adequately account for in their flight path selection.