Accident Details
On Sunday, 4 May 2008, at approximately 10:30 local time, a Piper PA-28-180 aircraft, registration EC-CGU, operated as a private flight, was landing at El Berriel Aerodrome (Gran Canaria) after a local flight. The aircraft had departed from runway 25 earlier with three occupants on board.
During the landing on runway 25, after touchdown, the pilot lost directional control. The aircraft departed the runway to the right, skidded, and came to a stop on a taxiway. The three occupants were uninjured and evacuated the aircraft unaided. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Environmental Conditions
El Berriel Aerodrome (GCLB) is located 11 NM east of Gran Canaria Airport. Its runway orientation is 07-25, with dimensions 800 m by 20 m. At the time of the accident, wind conditions were variable in both direction and intensity. The aerodrome is known for frequent variable winds and significant changes over short periods, with wind socks at each runway end sometimes indicating opposing directions. Wind shear along the runway, particularly in the middle section, is common.
Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 43, held a Private Pilot License (PPL(A)) with a total flight time of 50 hours, of which 22 hours were on the accident aircraft type. His flying experience was acquired entirely from local flights at El Berriel.
Flight and Approach
Before departure, the pilot observed the wind socks at both runway ends. On return, he attempted to contact the aerodrome by radio but received no response. He then overflew the field to assess the wind socks, making two left-hand downwind circuits for runway 25. According to his report, the wind sock at runway 07 indicated a crosswind from approximately 160°, while the sock at runway 25 was nearly aligned with the runway, pointing towards the threshold (wind from approximately 250° or 240°).
He decided to land on runway 25. The landing was performed at a speed of 75 knots with flaps set to three positions (40°). The published final approach speed for this flap setting in the aircraft's flight manual is 66 KIAS. The pilot stated that the loss of control occurred after the aircraft had settled onto the runway.
Conclusions
The accident resulted from a loss of control during landing, contributed to by the following factors: variable wind conditions in intensity and direction along the runway, which prevented the aircraft from being stabilized on final approach; and the pilot's limited experience.