Flight History
On 7 March 2006, a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle, registration EC-JAX, operated by Aerotaxi Los Valles departed Madrid-Torrejón Airport on a commercial air taxi flight to Pamplona-Noaín Airport. The aircraft carried six occupants. After 68 minutes of flight, the crew initiated an ILS approach to runway 15 at Pamplona.
Accident Sequence
At 15:38:00 local time, the crew reported the start of the approach at the VOR-DME PPN. At 15:46:14, they informed Pamplona Tower that they were established on the localizer. At 15:48:34, the crew reported initiating a missed approach procedure; this was the last radio contact. The aircraft subsequently struck the north face of the Sierra de Tajonar at an elevation of 730 meters in level flight. The impact and ensuing fire destroyed the aircraft.
Occupant Injuries and Damage
Of the six people on board, the two occupants seated on the right side—the copilot and one passenger—died. The other four occupants were injured. The aircraft was destroyed.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft, a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle, was owned by Santander Central Hispano Lease, S.A. The operator, Aerotaxi Los Valles, held an air operator certificate. The flight crew consisted of a commander and a copilot; it was their first flight together and their first flight for the company.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be the execution of the missed approach procedure without overflying the NO beacon as required by the procedure. Contributing factors included the aircraft's center of gravity and weight being outside certified limits, which reduced maneuverability and control; the presence of high-altitude wind during the approach that may have deviated the aircraft's path; instrument meteorological conditions with fog, cloud, and drizzle; the crew's lack of experience and training required by regulations and company standards; the crew's lack of recent experience in actual IFR conditions; and insufficient crew coordination as it was their first flight together and for the company.
Recommendations
The investigation identified anomalies and deficiencies in Aerotaxi Los Valles that were not detected during the initial issuance and renewal of its AOC by the Spanish DGAC. Two safety recommendations were issued to the DGAC aimed at reviewing the company's capability.