What happened
On June 6, 2009, a PIPER J3C-65 was performing a takeoff from runway 31 at the Axarquía Aerodrome in Málaga, Spain. The aircraft, operated privately, was carrying a pilot and one passenger for a general aviation pleasure flight.
During the initial climb, the aircraft began drifting to the right. The flight path progressively transitioned into a turn toward the right until the aircraft was positioned in a tailwind configuration. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck the ground near the aerodrome perimeter fence, to the right of the runway, with its nose pointing toward the runway threshold. Both occupants were able to evacuate the aircraft following the impact. The aircraft sustained significant damage, primarily to the forward section.
The investigation
The investigation examined the meteorological conditions and the flight dynamics during the climb. At the time of the accident, meteorological reports from Málaga Airport indicated winds from 220°, varying between 170° and 260°, with an intensity of 15 knots. While the pilot initially reported a headwind aligned with runway 31, a gust from the left occurred during the ascent, which hindered the aircraft's ability to gain altitude.
Investigators reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history, noting that the PIPER J3C-65 had undergone all required inspections normally. The engine, a Continental C90-12S, had 94 hours of operation, and the airframe had a total of 7,372 hours. The pilot held a valid private pilot license (PPL(A)) and medical certificate, with 2,000 total flight hours, including 200 hours in this specific type.
Findings
- Crosswind conditions at the end of the runway caused the aircraft to drift to the right during the climb.
- These wind conditions likely made it difficult for the aircraft to maintain altitude.
- The pilot likely executed an excessive turn while the aircraft was at a low airspeed and low altitude, attempting to manage the wind conditions.
- This maneuver resulted in an aerodynamic stall, leading to the impact with the ground.