What happened
On December 10, 2019, a Piper PA-28-161, registration EC-JQB, was performing a solo training flight at Trebujena Aerodrome (LETJ) in Cádiz, Spain. The student pilot was conducting a series of circuit exercises involving landings with and without flaps as part of a structured training module. After successfully completing several previous exercises that day, the pilot attempted a sixth landing during the final scheduled exercise.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft began to drift toward the left side of the runway. The pilot, recognizing the deviation, attempted to correct the course by applying the right rudder pedal. However, the correction was insufficient to maintain the aircraft's position on the runway centerline. In an attempt to stop the movement, the pilot applied the brakes, but the aircraft continued its lateral movement, exiting the runway and impacting the adjacent terrain. The aircraft sustained significant damage to the propeller, the engine compartment, and the left wing, while the right wing also suffered a small dent. The student pilot was uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's training progress, the aircraft's maintenance history, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The student pilot had very limited experience, with only 10.6 total flight hours, of which only 0.3 hours had been performed solo. The investigation noted that while the pilot detected the deviation, the lack of experience likely prevented the application of the necessary rudder pressure to counteract the drift.
Technical inspections confirmed that the aircraft's documentation and medical certificates were valid, and the weather conditions at nearby Jerez and Rota stations were favorable, with light winds and high visibility. The investigation also reviewed the flight school's internal safety management actions, which included plans to standardize training flights at Trebujena and reinforce approach procedures.