What happened
On June 26, 2020, a PIPER PA-28-161, registration G-CETE, was performing a solo instructional flight consisting of circuits at the La Axarquía-Leoni Benabu aerodrome in Málaga. The student pilot, who was training for a PPL(A) license, had successfully completed three landings and one go-around prior to the incident.
During the fourth landing attempt on runway 30, the aircraft approached the threshold with excessive speed. This resulted in a lengthened flare and a touchdown occurring in the second third of the runway. Upon touchdown, the aircraft began to veer toward the left side of the runway. In an attempt to regain control and prevent an overrun, the pilot applied full power to initiate a go-around. However, the sudden application of power induced a torque effect that exacerbated the leftward deviation.
The aircraft departed the left side of the runway and struck a metal perimeter fence located approximately 30 meters from the runway centerline. The pilot subsequently reduced the engine to idle to mitigate the impact. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained significant damage to the wings, propeller, and landing gear, including the detachment of the nose and right main gear wheels.
The investigation
The CIAIAC examined the flight history, aircraft maintenance records, and statements from both the student pilot and the flight instructor. The investigation reviewed the aircraft's technical condition, finding that the engine, flight controls, and landing gear mechanisms were fully functional and that no mechanical deficiencies contributed to the accident. The investigation also reviewed the training organization's landing procedures and the meteorological conditions at the time of the event, which were noted as calm with minimal wind.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of control of the aircraft during the landing roll on runway 30.
- The pilot's decision to apply full power to execute a go-around, without first correcting the lateral deviation, resulted in a torque effect that increased the aircraft's departure from the runway.
- The aircraft was approaching the runway at a speed higher than the recommended final approach speed, which led to a longer landing roll.
- All pilot documentation and aircraft airworthiness certificates were valid at the time of the occurrence.
- Meteorological conditions were favorable and did not contribute to the accident.