What happened
On June 21, 2025, at 2/20:11 local time, a SCHEIBE SF 28 A motor glider, registration EC-DKJ, crashed into terrain near the threshold of runway 12 at Lillo Aerodrome (LELT), Toledo. The aircraft was conducting a non-commercial instructional flight for a student pilot, with an instructor occupying the rear seat.
The flight began at 19:35 local time, departing from runway 30. During the local flight, weather conditions deteriorated significantly, with approaching storms and rain visible in the area. Due to the worsening weather, the instructor decided to return to the aerodrome. To expedite the landing, the instructor opted for a short right-hand circuit to land on the unpaved runway 12.
As the aircraft was on final approach at a very low altitude, a sudden and intense shift in wind direction occurred. Witnesses reported that the wind, which had been approximately 15-18 knots, abruptly changed to a strong, gusty, and turbulent southerly direction. This sudden wind shift caused the aircraft to yaw 90 degrees to the right. The aircraft then experienced a series of severe rolling motions—right, left, and then a final heavy roll to the right—before impacting the ground with the right wingtip and subsequently the nose. Both occupants sustained two serious injuries.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined the flight path, meteorological data, and aircraft condition. Investigators reviewed AEMET (Spanish Meteorological Agency) significant weather maps, which for 20:00 local time predicted isolated thunderstorms, moderate to strong turbulence, and visibility reductions due to showers in the area.
Witness accounts from qualified pilots on the ground corroborated the presence of extreme turbulence and the sudden wind shift. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's flight manual, noting that the SCHEIBE SF 28 A is highly sensitive to rain, which increases the stall speed and can cause the aircraft to pitch abruptly when the wing is wet. The investigation also noted that while the aircraft's manual does not specify a maximum crosswind limit, local pilot practice typically avoids operations exceeding 15 km/h.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of control of the aircraft during landing due to changing meteorological conditions that were not properly accounted for during flight planning.
- The decision to depart for the instructional flight occurred despite forecasts indicating the development of thunderstorms and turbulence.
- The aircraft encountered sudden, heavy, and gusty winds during the final approach phase.
- The aircraft was flying at a very low altitude and low airspeed when the wind shift occurred, leaving insufficient margin to recover from the resulting aerodynamic instability.