What happened
On June 26, 2009, at 14:40 local time, a Tecnam P-96 Golf 100, registration EC-ZKM, crashed in the municipality of El Paso on the island of La Palma. The aircraft had departed from La Palma Airport (GCLA) at 14:13 for a local flight intended to circumnavigate the island clockwise at 1,0-00 feet to capture aerial photographs.
During the flight, the aircraft was observed by witnesses flying at low altitude and low speed. Digital photographs recovered from the wreckage, taken between 14:35 and 14:36, confirmed the aircraft was maneuvering around local houses to capture images. Shortly after these photos were taken, the aircraft entered a right-hand turn. The aircraft struck the ground with a southwest trajectory, a right-wing bank of approximately 45 degrees, and no significant skid marks were present at the site.
The investigation
The investigation examined the wreckage, the flight history, and the aircraft's technical configuration. The aircraft was a very light aircraft (VLA) powered by a Rotax 912 ULS engine. Investigators found no evidence of mechanical failure or engine malfunction prior to the impact; the propeller blades showed evidence of impact while the engine was still rotating under power.
Analysis of the cockpit instruments indicated the flaps were extended to approximately 15 degrees. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience, noting significant flight hours, including 1,100 hours in this specific aircraft type. Digital evidence from a camera found in the debris provided a precise timeline of the aircraft's position and maneuvers immediately preceding the accident.