What happened
On 3 April 2003, a Cessna P210N Centurion, registration PH-WVW, was conducting a private IFR flight from Malaga to San Sebastian. While descending toward the destination, the aircraft encountered severe weather conditions, including intense winds and strong turbulence. During the flight, the aircraft experienced a sudden and violent in-flight structural failure. The impact with the ground occurred near Oroquieta, Navarre, at approximately 13:37 local time. The high-speed impact resulted in two fatalities, as both the pilot and the passenger died at the scene. The aircraft was completely destroyed.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and analyzed fractures found on the left wing and horizontal stabilizers. Laboratory analysis of the wing fractures confirmed they were ductile in nature, indicating they were caused by static overload rather than fatigue, corrosion, or stress corrosion. The investigation also reviewed radar data, which showed significant fluctuations in ground speed, flight level, and heading during the final stages of the flight. This data suggested the aircraft was subject to intense wind gusts and associated recovery maneuvers. The investigation also ruled out the possibility of flutter or the influence of previous repairs on the structural failure.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in an area with forecasted intense winds and severe turbulence.
- The aircraft experienced the separation of the horizontal stabilizers and the outboard portion of the left wing.
- All examined fractures were consistent with static overload.
- The sequence of failure likely began with the downward fracture of the horizontal stabilizers, followed by the separation of the left wing components.
- The pilot was performing recovery maneuvers at speeds exceeding the specified maneuvering airspeeds (Va) while encountering heavy turbulence.