Accident Overview
On 24 July 2014, a Vans RV9A amateur-built aircraft, registration EC-ZYT, was involved in an accident at Casarrubios del Monte aerodrome (Toledo, Spain). The aircraft was on a private flight with two persons on board: the pilot sitting on the left and the aircraft owner sitting on the right. The pilot was evaluating the aircraft with the intention to purchase it.
Aircraft and Occupants
The pilot, aged 60, held a valid private pilot license and a valid medical certificate. He had accumulated a total flight experience of 82 hours, of which 6 hours and 39 minutes were on the accident aircraft, acquired over four previous flights. The owner-passenger held no piloting duties during the accident flight.
Flight Sequence and Impact
The flight departed at 10:26:15 local time. The plan included several touch-and-go landings followed by a 55-minute cross-country flight from Casarrubios to Marugán and back. After completing one circuit and landing, the crew initiated a second circuit. During the final approach for runway 26, while descending for landing, the aircraft's landing gear struck a terrain irregularity located 65 meters before the runway threshold. The aircraft came to rest on that same leveled area with minimal forward displacement or skidding. The final heading was northwest, having veered to the right.
Injuries and Damage
Both occupants lost consciousness and were transported to a hospital in Toledo. The pilot suffered back injuries requiring surgery. The passenger sustained less severe injuries but experienced vision issues that took several months to fully recover. The aircraft sustained damage to its forward section (from the cabin forward), the left side, and the lower fuselage. The aircraft rested on the lower part of the propeller, the right landing gear, and the forward lower fuselage. No fire occurred.
Investigation Findings
The investigation ruled out any mechanical or engine malfunction, as well as adverse weather conditions as factors in the accident. The probable cause was determined to be the execution of the final leg of the traffic pattern at an altitude too low to allow the aircraft to clear the terrain. A contributing factor considered was the pilot's limited experience on the aircraft type and at the Casarrubios del Monte aerodrome. No safety recommendations were issued.