Pilot killed after entering cloud bank in Storm Fury XL RG

Casualties unknown • Mediterraneo, frente a la playa de Calarreona (Murcia), ES

A single-engine amateur-built aircraft crashed into the sea off the coast of Murcia, Spain, after the pilot lost visual references while flying through a cloud layer.

What happened

On May 8, 2021, a STORM FURY XL RG, registration EC-XSB, was performing a local recreational flight from La Totana Aerodrome in Murcia, Spain. The pilot was flying in formation behind another aircraft, an MB AIRCRAFT VL3, registration EC-XRC. Both aircraft were operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and intended to follow a coastal route near Cabo de Palost.

As the aircraft approached the coastline near Cala Reona, they encountered a dense cloud bank extending from near sea level to 1,500 ft. While the lead aircraft managed to climb and maneuver to avoid the clouds, the EC-XSB entered the cloud layer. Following the entry into the clouds, the aircraft began a series of erratic maneuvers, including sharp turns and steep descents. The aircraft eventually struck the sea 700 meters from the coast, sinking to a depth of 17 meters. The pilot was killed on impact, having been ejected from the aircraft because the seat belt was unbuckled.

The investigation

The CIAIAC examined flight data recovered from the aircraft's Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS). The data revealed that the pilot had not used the autopilot during the flight and that the aircraft's flight profile became highly unstable once it entered Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). The investigation also reviewed communications between the two pilots and the San Javier Air Base air traffic controller, as well as meteorological reports from the time of the accident.

Findings

  • The accident was caused by the inadvertent entry into IMC conditions, which led to the pilot's spatial disorientation.
  • The pilot failed to maintain the required VFR visibility and cloud distance minima.
  • There was a significant lack of flight preparation, specifically regarding the assessment of local meteorological conditions, which had predicted the cloud formation.
  • The flight was conducted without a pre-programmed route, with the pilot simply following the lead aircraft, which contributed to a loss of situational awareness.
  • The pilot was not wearing his seat belt at the time of impact.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's entry into a cloud layer while flying under VFR, resulting in spatial disorientation and loss of control. Contributing factors included inadequate flight planning and a failure to properly assess the prevailing weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2021-05-08 AFICIONADO modelo STORM FURY RG accident near Mediterraneo, frente a la playa de Calarreona (Murcia), ES?

A single-engine amateur-built aircraft crashed into the sea off the coast of Murcia, Spain, after the pilot lost visual references while flying through a cloud layer.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2021-05-08 involved a AFICIONADO modelo STORM FURY RG, registration EC-XSB, at Mediterraneo, frente a la playa de Calarreona (Murcia), ES.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's entry into a cloud layer while flying under VFR, resulting in spatial disorientation and loss of control. Contributing factors included inadequate flight planning and a failure to properly assess the prevailing weather conditions.

Loading the flight search…