What happened
On May 5, 2024, an EXTRA EA 300/SC, registration OO-VVV, was engaged in a cross-country pleasure flight from Los Martínez del Puerto aerodrome to Matilla de los Caños aerodrome. The flight was being conducted in formation with a second aircraft following the San Javier 2024 air festival.
Approximately one hour into the flight, while cruising at an altitude of roughly 2,000 feet, the aircraft experienced a collision with a large, dark bird that struck the front of the cockpit. According to the pilot of the accompanying aircraft, the impact did not immediately alter the flight path, but the pilot of OO-VVV failed to respond to multiple radio attempts. Shortly after the strike, the aircraft entered a nose-down attitude with a significant left bank, descending rapidly until it impacted the ground at approximately 400 km/h. The impact and subsequent fire resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and the death of the sole occupant.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined the wreckage, the flight path of the accompanying aircraft via SkyDemon data, and local environmental factors. Investigators noted that the aircraft's high-speed impact and the intensity of the post-crash fire made it impossible to determine the specific mechanical damage caused by the bird strike. Furthermore, the bird could not be located at the scene.
The investigation also reviewed the presence of an organic waste treatment plant located approximately 300 meters from the crash site. This facility was confirmed to attract a high concentration of birds, particularly black kites and white storks.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a collision with a bird during the en route phase of flight.
- The pilot was likely incapacitated by the impact, as evidenced by the lack of radio response and the sudden change in flight attitude.
- A significant presence of birds in the area, driven by the nearby organic waste treatment plant, acted as a contributing factor.
- The high ground speed at the time of the strike made it impossible for the pilot to identify and avoid the hazard in time.