What happened
On March 11, 2023, a TECNAM P92-JS, registration EC-MMT, departed Sabadell Airport for a local three-hour flight. The aircraft, operated by Aeroclub de Barcelona-Sabadell, was carrying a pilot and one passenger. The flight proceeded toward Ordis Aerodrome in Girona, Spain.
Upon approaching Ordis, the crew attempted to contact the aerodrome via radio but received no response. After observing the windsock to confirm wind conditions—noting a light 5-knot wind aligned with runway 16—the crew entered the traffic pattern. The pilot initiated the final approach with flaps set to the takeoff position, maintaining an indicated airspeed of approximately 70 knots and reducing power to idle.
The aircraft touched down 255 meters from the runway threshold, leaving 225 meters of runway remaining. Due to excessive speed, the aircraft failed to decelerate sufficiently. As the aircraft approached the end of the runway, the pilot executed a sharp right turn to avoid an embankment located at the runway's terminus. During this maneuver, the left wingtip struck the ground, the nose gear collapsed, and the propeller blades struck the terrain, resulting in significant damage to the airframe, landing gear, and propeller. Both occupants were uninjured.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation analyzed flight tracking data from the operator and radar traces from air traffic control services to reconstruct the flight path. The investigation focused on the aircraft's approach profile and adherence to the manufacturer's flight manual.
Investigators examined the aircraft's performance specifications, noting that the flight manual requires an approach speed of 55 knots when using takeoff flaps (instead of the standard 38-degree full flaps) for a 600 kg maximum takeoff weight. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience and the maintenance records of the TECNAM P92-JS, finding the engine and control systems to be in good working order prior to the impact.
Findings
- The aircraft performed a non-standard traffic pattern, involving a nearly continuous turn from the downwind leg to the final approach leg.
- The approach speed of 70 knots exceeded the manufacturer's recommended speed of 55 knots for the configured flaps.
- The excessive approach speed prevented the aircraft from stopping within the remaining runway length, necessitating the evasive maneuver that led to the ground contact.
- The aircraft touched down with 225 meters of runway remaining, which was technically sufficient for the required stopping distance, but the high kinetic energy caused the overrun.