Overview
On Sunday, 21 May 2023, a PIPER PA-28-161 aircraft, registration EC-JQS, was involved in an accident at La Axarquía Aerodrome (Málaga). The aircraft had taken off with a pilot and three passengers for a local flight and later returned to the same aerodrome. The pilot attempted a touch-and-go landing on runway 12. After touchdown, the aircraft overshot the runway and crashed through the airfield perimeter fence. All four occupants were unharmed. The aircraft sustained significant damage.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft was a PIPER PA-28-161 (serial number 28-42254) manufactured in 2005 and registered on 20 July 2006. It was powered by a 160 hp Lycoming O-320-D3G engine (serial number L-20045-39A). At the time of the accident, the airframe and engine had 4138:42 flight hours. The aircraft's weight and balance were within manufacturer limits. The pilot, aged 34, held a private pilot license (PPL(A)) issued on 22 June 2011 with single-engine piston land and night ratings, valid through 30 June 2023. He had a Class 2 medical certificate valid until 29 October 2025 and a total flight experience of 186:09 hours, with 173:22 hours on type.
Accident Sequence
Before the flight, the pilot checked fuel levels and refueled to 100 liters. After briefing passengers and performing an external inspection, the aircraft departed from the fuel apron at approximately 19:30 LT. It proceeded to the runway 12 holding point, where an engine test was conducted, then took off toward Torre del Mar. The flight continued east along the coastline to La Herradura, 32 km east of Torre del Mar, after which the pilot decided to return. The aircraft joined the right-hand traffic pattern's final leg with a tailwind to land on runway 12. Observing that the windsock was down, the pilot proceeded with a touch-and-go landing. On final approach, the aircraft was configured with flaps at 40°, carburetor heat on, fuel pump and landing lights on, maintaining 70 knots indicated airspeed. After touching down at the intersection with taxiway Romeo, the pilot set flaps to 10°, applied full power, and turned the carburetor heat off. Upon reaching 60 knots, the pilot initiated rotation but realized that insufficient runway remained to achieve a climb rate that would clear obstacles. He then aborted the take-off, reducing the engine to idle and applying full brakes while warning passengers of the impending runway excursion. The aircraft overshot the runway and went through the perimeter fence. The pilot shut down all systems, and passengers exited without assistance.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained significant damage. The pilot and three passengers were unharmed. No other damages were reported.
Investigation Findings
The investigation concluded that the cause of the accident was an incorrectly executed touch-and-go manoeuvre, due to deficient flight planning.