Flight History
On March 6, 2020, a Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub, registration EC-ERA, departed from Casarrubios del Monte aerodrome for a private local flight. The purpose was to practice short-distance takeoffs and landings, taking advantage of the strong wind present at the aerodrome. The pilot intended to land into the wind each time, even if the wind direction did not align with the runway axis, using the unpaved strip north of the runway which was free of obstacles. The aircraft was equipped with tires designed for landing on unpaved surfaces.
After four successful landings, the pilot attempted a fifth. According to the pilot's statement, the approach was made from the south, avoiding the aerodrome buildings, continuing over the runway to face the wind for another landing and takeoff. The final approach track was approximately west-northwest, forming an angle of about 40° with the runway axis.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft touched down, but after traveling a few meters, the right wing lifted. Less than 50 meters ahead, there was an embankment, causing the pilot to instinctively apply full throttle and left rudder to align with the runway and avoid going over the drop. However, this maneuver caused the right wing to rise further until the left wingtip contacted the ground. The aircraft then pivoted around the contact point and nosed over.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the propeller, engine, wing, tail, and fuselage.
Personnel Information
The pilot, aged 54, held an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) issued by the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) in July 2002. His ratings included single-engine piston (SEP), Boeing 737 300-900, Boeing 757-767, instrument rating (IR), aerobatic flight (AR), flight instructor (FI), and multi-pilot aircraft instructor for the B757-767 (TRI/MPA). He held valid Class 1 and 2 medical certificates, as well as a LAPL certificate. Professionally, he was an aerobatic pilot and instructor, with numerous aerobatic championships over more than twenty years, and also served as an airline captain.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the accident was caused by a loss of control of the aircraft during the landing roll with limited distance available for landing.