What happened
On May 31, 2024, a Tecnam P-Mentor, registration EC-OBS, operated by Aerotec Escuela de Pilotos, crashed near San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Spain. The flight, which began at Madrid-Cuatro Vientos airport, was intended to be a local flight for instructor training/familiarization with a planned duration of 90 minutes.
After completing 11 takeoffs and landings at the airport, the crew departed the aerodrome control zone (ATZ). During the second phase of the flight, the aircraft flew over the San Juan reservoir. Evidence indicates the crew performed a series of maneuvers at very low altitudes. While the aircraft was recorded at an altitude of approximately 877 meters, it descended significantly during a turn. The aircraft struck a pine tree at an altitude of approximately 17 meters, causing the aircraft to crash and catch fire. The two fatalities involved were both experienced flight instructors.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined flight logs, GPS data from the Garmin GTN 650Xi, and witness testimonies. Investigators found that the flight was not authorized or scheduled by Aerotec management, despite being entered into the flight scheduling system (SIEPA) using the Chief Flight Instructor's credentials. The investigation also noted that the pilots had intentionally manipulated the scheduling software to avoid exceeding daily duty time limits.
Analysis of the flight path revealed that the pilots were performing high-bank turns in a confined area with steep terrain and obstacles. The investigation also noted a pattern of the pilots turning off their transponders when flying together, a practice not typically observed during student instruction flights.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the failure to adhere to Visual Flight Rules (VFR), which led to performing low-altitude maneuvers in a restricted area with nearby obstacles, resulting in controlled flight into terrain.
- A contributing factor was the poor operational safety culture demonstrated by the flight instructors.
- The flight was unauthorized by the flight school's management and was not part of the official training program.
- There were irregularities in the flight school's scheduling procedures, allowing for the unauthorized entry of flights into the system.
Safety action
- REC 48/25: It is recommended that Aerotec reinforce its internal procedures to ensure that only flights authorized and scheduled by the Chief Flight Instructor (CFI) are performed.