What happened
On 10 April 2019, a Diamond Aircraft DA 40 D, registration G-RKAH, was conducting a dual flight training mission near Huesca Airport (LEHC). The flight, operated by Airways Aviation, involved an instructor and a student performing maneuvers to simulate engine failures and off-field emergency landings.
During a go-around maneuver following a simulated landing near the town of Huerto, the instructor observed a large vulture flying approximately 4 meters from the left wingtip. The instructor initiated a right turn to avoid the bird. During this banking maneuver, a second vulture struck the front of the aircraft. The impact caused significant damage to the aircraft's nose, including the propeller, gearbox, engine cover, and engine mounts.
Following the strike, the instructor assessed the engine performance and decided to return to the airport. The aircraft reached Huesca Airport and landed without further incident. Both occupants were uninjured.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined the flight history, weather conditions, and the local wildlife environment. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held the necessary commercial licenses and medical certifications, and the aircraft was fully documented and airworthy. Meteorological data indicated that weather conditions were not a limiting factor for the flight.
Investigators also analyzed the local vulture population. It was noted that the population of griffon vultures in Spain has increased significantly due to the implementation of feeding stations for scavenging birds. The investigation also reviewed the impact of bird populations on aviation safety in the region, noting that the area near Huesera Airport has a high probability of encounters with these birds.
Findings
- The accident was caused by a head-on collision between a vulture and the aircraft.
- A contributing factor was the considerable growth of the vulture population in Spain.
- The pilot's decision-making and execution of the emergency return to the airport were deemed appropriate.
- The presence of vultures in the Aragon region is common, and their increasing population and erratic behavior make encounters difficult to predict.