What happened
On July 24, 2014, a Vans RV9A, registration EC-ZYT, was performing a landing approach to runway 26 at the Casarrubeos del Monte aerodrome in Toledo, Spain. The flight was a private operation involving a pilot and a passenger. The pilot was in the process of testing the aircraft with the intention of purchasing it from the owner, who was seated in the right seat.
The aircraft had completed one circuit of the aerodrome and was on its second circuit. During the final approach, the aircraft descended into a terrain depression located just beyond the runway threshold. The landing gear struck the ground approximately 65 meters before the threshold. The impact caused the nose gear to deform and penetrate the lower fuselage, and the aircraft came to a stop shortly after the contact. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined the aircraft's flight data, including GPS tracks and an onboard video recording. The investigation analyzed the flight profiles of both the first and second circuits. The video recording allowed investigators to monitor engine parameters, such as oil pressure, which remained within normal operating limits throughout the flight.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's experience, noting that while the pilot held a valid private pilot license, they had limited experience with this specific aircraft model and the Casarrubios del Monte aerodrome. The investigation also examined the terrain, noting a significant drop in elevation at the end of the runway extension, and reviewed the meteorological conditions, which were clear with light winds.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the incorrect execution of the final approach at a low altitude, which prevented the aircraft from clearing the terrain depression before the runway threshold.
- The pilot's low level of experience with the Vans RV9A and the specific operating environment of the Casarrubios del Monte aerodrome acted as a contributing factor.
- On the second circuit, the aircraft was descending at a rate of approximately 400 fpm, and the speed dropped to 22 mph in the final seconds before impact, which was significantly below the recommended landing speed.
- The investigation ruled out engine failure, structural issues, or adverse meteorological conditions as contributing factors.
- Although the pilot applied power briefly during the final approach, the power was reduced to idle seconds before the impact, failing to provide sufficient lift to clear the obstacle.