What happened
On January 23, 2022, a Tecnam P92-JS, registration EC-IPH, was performing a private flight from Igualada-Ódena to the Ainsa-Coscojuela de Sobrarbe aerodrome in Huesca, Spain. The flight, operated by Aircatfly S.L.U., carried one pilot and one passenger.
Upon arrival at the destination, the pilot performed a low reconnaissance pass of runway 33 before transitioning to the traffic pattern for runway 15. During the final approach, the pilot conducted a high-energy descent, maintaining power through the threshold. The aircraft touched down at approximately 55 knots, which exceeded the recommended landing speed of 44 knots for the aircraft's weight.
As the aircraft rolled down the grass runway, the pilot attempted to apply maximum braking force, even requesting assistance from the passenger to pull the brake lever. Due to the high speed and potential ground effect, the aircraft continued to float, and the brakes were unable to decelerate the plane sufficiently before reaching the end of the runway, which bordered a steep drop-off into a reservoir. To avoid the embankment, the pilot executed an abrupt 180-degree maneuver, first turning 90 degrees to the right and then sharply to the left. This intense steering input caused the nose gear to collapse, leading the aircraft to strike the ground, resulting in significant damage to the nose gear, propeller, and right wing.
The investigation
The CIAIAC examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the aerodrome's video surveillance, and the physical evidence at the scene. Investigators found that the aircraft's maintenance was up to date and all mechanical systems, including the braking system, were fully operational. Video footage confirmed the aircraft was at idle power during the landing roll and showed the high-speed maneuver at the end of the runway. The investigation also noted that the grass runway was likely damp due to its location, which could have influenced the lack of visible tire marks during the initial rollout.
Findings
- The landing was performed at a higher speed than recommended in the flight manual, which contributed to the aircraft floating and increasing the landing distance.
- The nose gear failure was caused by a sharp steering input of approximately 90 degrees, which exceeded the design limit of the steerable nose gear (±35 degrees).
- The pilot's lack of experience with grass runway landings and the high-energy approach prevented effective deceleration.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the nose gear, propeller, and right wing, though both occupants escaped without injury.