What happened
On April 10, 2004, a private Piper PA-28-10, registration EC-CBU, was performing a non-commercial flight from Tenerife-South Airport to El Berriel Aerodrome. Prior to arrival, the pilot requested traffic and field condition information, receiving notice that runway 25 was in use with a wind of 240 degrees at 2 knots.
During the landing phase, the aircraft experienced a long landing, making touchdown in the final third of the runway. After rolling a short distance, the pilot attempted to apply brakes and subsequently decided to apply power to perform a go-around to avoid exiting the airfield perimeter. However, the aircraft overran the end of runway 07, breached the safety margin, and entered the sea, where it came to rest approximately 200 meters from the runway.
Both occupants of the aircraft escaped the incident uninjured, though the aircraft sustained significant damage, particularly to the wings due to the impact with the water.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's statements and the physical evidence at the scene. The pilot reported that during the base leg, flaps were extended to a second notch, reducing speed to 85 mph. On final approach, the pilot reduced engine RPM to near idle and maintained an approach speed of 80 mph with 25 degrees of flaps. The pilot noted that the lack of headwind likely caused the aircraft to float, leading to the late touchdown. Upon touchdown, the pilot lowered the nose and retracted the flaps. After finding the braking ineffective, the pilot attempted a go-around maneuver.
Field inspections revealed the following:
- The flap selector was found at the 10-degree position.
- No heavy skid marks were visible on the runway.
- The perimeter fence was only damaged on the top strand of barbed wire.
- The aircraft tires remained intact.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a long landing, with touchdown occurring in the final third of the runway, which left insufficient distance to stop the aircraft.
- The lack of significant headwind contributed to the aircraft floating down the runway, consuming the available landing distance.