What happened
On May 8, 2021, at approximately 14:00 local time, a Diamond DA-40D, registration EC-MDI, was performing a solo instructional flight as part of a Private Pilot License (PPL) course. The flight originated from Andorra-La Seu d’Urgell, with planned landings at La Cerdanya and Reus.
Upon approaching La Cerdanya, the pilot initially entered the traffic pattern for runway 25. However, due to a misunderstanding of radio communications, the pilot mistakenly positioned the aircraft in the glider circuit to the right of runway 25. After being instructed to vacate the glider circuit and requesting information regarding the active runway, the pilot transitioned to a long final approach for runway 25. During the approach, the pilot observed several gliders at the runway threshold and repeatedly adjusted power settings to manage the descent.
During the landing roll on runway 25, the aircraft began to veer to the left. The pilot applied maximum power in an attempt to abort the landing maneuver; however, the aircraft continued to turn left, eventually exiting the paved surface and coming to a stop on the grass strip approximately 20 meters from the runway. The single occupant of the aircraft was uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition, the pilot's experience, and the environmental factors at the time of the accident. The aircraft, which had 5,585 flight hours, was inspected following the event. Investigators found that the propeller blades had fractured upon impact with the ground, the right main landing gear strut had collapsed, and the nose gear had detached. The lower fuselage also sustained damage from contact with the terrain. Control linkages and flaps were found to be functional and in the landing configuration.
The pilot, a 21-year-old student with 38 total flight hours, was performing a solo flight authorized by the flight school. Meteorological data indicated calm winds and good visibility, suggesting weather was not a contributing factor. The investigation also noted that the pilot had previously performed this exact flight route with an instructor.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of control of the aircraft during the landing maneuver on runway 25.
- The pilot's repeated power applications and reductions during the final approach, likely due to the presence of gliders at the runway head, destabilized the approach.
- The application of maximum power during the landing roll likely induced a significant P-factor (left-turning tendency), which contributed to the aircraft veering off the runway.
- A misunderstanding of radio communications led to the pilot's initial incorrect positioning in the glider circuit.