What happened
On July 17, 2014, at approximately 10:40 h, a Cessna 172R, registration EC-JTI, operated by Aeroclub Barcelona Sabadell, was performing a visual flight from Sabadell to the La Cerdanya aerodrome. Upon arrival, the pilot entered the traffic pattern for runway 25. The approach was characterized by a wide pattern and a high-energy final approach.
The aircraft touched down after passing the midpoint of the 1,150-meter runway. During the landing roll, the pilot reported difficulty with the braking system, specifically noting that the right brake pedal felt ineffective, causing the aircraft to weave across the runway. Unable to decelerate sufficiently, the aircraft overran the end of the runway, traversing a slope at the runway extremity. The aircraft then struck the tops of trees, causing a left-wing tilt, before impacting the ground. The nose gear collapsed, and the aircraft subsequently overturned, coming to rest in an inverted position approximately 10 and 100 meters from the end of runway 25. Both occupants sustained two serious injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the braking system to verify the pilot's claims of mechanical failure. Technical inspections revealed that the braking system was in good working condition. While the pilot noted a lack of pressure in the right pedal, investigators found that the hydraulic fluid levels were low in the left side, and once replenished, the brakes functioned satisfactorily. No evidence of heavy braking or skid marks was found on the runway surface.
The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight history and the aircraft's maintenance records. The aircraft was fully airworthy and all documentation was up to date. The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making process during the landing phase and the aerodynamic energy of the aircraft during the approach.
Findings
- The landing was excessively long and performed at an excessive speed.
- The pilot failed to execute a go-around despite the high-energy approach and the long touchdown point.
- The aircraft's braking system was fully functional at the time of the accident.
- The deployment of onboard airbags significantly mitigated the physical impact on the occupants, preventing more severe injuries.