Cessna 172M Crash Near Son Bonet Airport, Mallorca (EC-EMP)

Accident Overview and Flight Details On May 24, 2013, a Cessna 172M with registration EC-EMP departed Son Bonet Airport in Mallorca, Spain, at 17:03 local time. The aircraft was operating a private visual flight rules (VFR) flight with a planned duration of one and a half hours. The flight carried the pilot and three passengers. ## Crash Sequence and Casualties Approximately one minute after takeoff, the aircraft crashed into the terrain adjacent to the airport while executing a left turn. Witnesses reported that the aircraft took off with flaps set to 40 degrees and was flying at a low speed while gaining altitude with difficulty. Following the impact, the aircraft caught fire. The three passengers died as a result of the impact and subsequent fire, while the pilot sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed. ## Aircraft and Pilot Information The Cessna 172M, serial number 172-62854, was powered by a Lycoming O-320-E2D engine. It was a four-seat, high-wing, tricycle-gear aircraft. The pilot was a 20-year-old private pilot with a valid PPL(A) license and SEP (land) rating. The pilot had approximately 140 hours of total flight experience, with 94 hours logged at the school where the license was obtained, mostly in the accident aircraft. The aircraft's airworthiness review certificate was valid until January 7, 2014, and its last maintenance inspection was performed on May 3, 2013.