Cessna T-188-C EC-ECE Accident at Isla Mayor

Accident Overview and Aircraft Details On 27 May 2007, at approximately 15:45 local time, a Cessna T-188-C with registration EC-ECE, operated by Trabajos Aéreos de Córdoba, S.L., was preparing to conduct agricultural insecticide spraying from a temporary runway at Isla Mayor, in the province of Sevilla. The aircraft was a single-engine, single-seat, low-wing model with a tricycle landing gear and tailwheel, designed for agroforestry and firefighting applications. It was powered by a Teledyne Continental TSIO-520-T engine rated at 310 HP and equipped with a three-blade variable-pitch McCauley propeller. The aircraft, manufactured in 1982, had a maximum authorized takeoff weight of 1,993 kg and a valid airworthiness certificate until 23 March 2008. ## Flight Operations and Accident Sequence Earlier that morning, the same pilot had operated the aircraft from the temporary runway “Queipo de Llano,” located about 5 km east of Isla Mayor, completing eight or nine flights totaling 1 hour 30 minutes. The aircraft was then moved to Isla Mayor, where liquid application booms were installed. For the first spraying flight of the afternoon, the aircraft was loaded with 500 liters of insecticide and slightly less than half its fuel capacity to reduce weight and test distribution accuracy. During the initial takeoff roll, the aircraft started without apparent issues. After traveling approximately 150 meters at low speed, it yawed 90 degrees to the right and entered an irrigation canal running parallel to the runway. The aircraft came to a sudden stop after striking reeds on the near bank and impacting the opposite wall. Smoke emerged immediately, and the pilot, who was uninjured, evacuated the aircraft on his own. The fire subsequently consumed most of the fuselage and cockpit. The right main landing gear leg broke, the engine and propeller were damaged, and the left wing was partially submerged. ## Meteorological and Runway Conditions The runway at Isla Mayor, located about 10 km south-southwest of the town, is a temporary installation that has become nearly permanent. It is surrounded by rice fields and is widely used for agricultural aviation. The runway is oriented 40°/220° and consists of a 650-meter section of compacted earth and stone, 24 to 40 meters wide, followed by a 200-meter grass section. A 7-meter-wide irrigation canal runs parallel to the runway, with reeds over two meters tall along the right edge. Meteorological data indicated variable winds from the third quadrant, with speeds of 10 kt and gusts of 15 to 20 kt, and good visibility. The pilot reported that the wind was gusting from the right and may have affected the planned operation. ## Analysis and Probable Cause Aircraft with tailwheels are particularly susceptible to crosswind effects during takeoff and landing, especially when the tail is off the ground and speed is low. The crosswind from the right, which may have reached 15 kt, likely caused the aircraft to drift rightward. Once the right main wheel reached the runway edge, the aircraft was deflected further right and crossed into the canal. The impact with the opposite bank likely spilled fuel onto hot engine or exhaust components, causing the fire. The probable cause was a loss of lateral control due to the crosswind during the takeoff roll.