What happened
On May 29, 2010, a Piper PA 25-260 aircraft, registration EC-CVD, crashed in the municipality of Aldean andueva de Barbarroya, Toledo, during an agricultural spraying operation. The aircraft had taken off from a nearby temporary runway carrying a load of pesticide.
While performing low-altitude maneuvers to familiarize himself with the spraying process, the pilot flew over a hill and attempted to descend and bank the aircraft to align with the target field. During this maneuver, the aircraft entered a significant downward pitch and left-bank attitude. The aircraft's left wingtip struck the ground, causing the plane to pivot and strike the terrain with the engine compartment. The pilot sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the pilot's flight history. The investigation established that the aircraft was within its maximum takeoff weight and that the engine was under power at the time of impact. The pilot held a valid commercial license and had recently completed training for agricultural operations, though his previous experience was primarily in banner towing.
Technical analysis of the engine revealed several maintenance deficiencies, including rusted spark plug threads, mismatched spark plug types, and repaired exhaust pipes. Additionally, investigators found an undocumented major modification regarding the arrangement of the fuel tanks, which had not been updated in the airworthiness documentation.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a loss of control of the aircraft while maneuvering close to the ground.
- The pilot's lack of specific experience in agricultural operations contributed to the accident.
- The mission parameters were not clearly defined for the pilot's level of experience.
- Maintenance deficiencies were present in the engine, including improper repairs and inconsistent component use.
- An undocumented modification to the fuel tank configuration was identified.