Piper PA-28-161 Accident Near Mutxamel Aerodrome (EC-DSM)

Accident Overview and Location On Saturday, July 3, 2010, at 13:50 local time, a Piper PA-28-161 aircraft with registration EC-DSM was involved in an accident in the vicinity of Mutxamel Aerodrome in Alicante. The aircraft was operating a private general aviation flight. ## Aircraft and Operator Details The aircraft was a Piper PA-28-161, manufactured in 1981, with serial number 28-8116383. It was a single-engine, low-wing, fixed-tricycle gear aircraft with a capacity for four seats and a maximum authorized weight of 1,053 kg. The aircraft was powered by a Lycoming O-320-D3G engine with 160 HP. The operator was private. ## Flight and Crew Information The flight departed Mutxamel Aerodrome at 12:40 local time for a local flight with the pilot and one passenger on board. The pilot-in-command was 75 years old, held a private pilot license, and had a total of 4,200 flight hours, including 2,000 hours on type. The pilot had 1 hour of flight time in the previous 24 hours. ## Accident Sequence During the final approach to runway 12, the aircraft struck a streetlight with the tip of the left wing, causing a loss of control and altitude. The pilot, aware of a significant terrain elevation ahead, attempted to avoid it by landing on a road adjacent to the aerodrome's perimeter fence. The aircraft struck a second streetlight and two traffic signs before coming to a stop less than 2 meters from the fence. ## Injuries and Damage The pilot sustained minor injuries and exited the aircraft independently. The passenger was seriously injured and transported by medical helicopter. The aircraft sustained significant damage, including to the engine, propeller, nose gear, cabin, instrument panel, left wing, fuselage, flaps, and horizontal stabilizer. The right side of the cabin was destroyed, including the control panel, floor, and door. ## Meteorological and Aerodrome Conditions Meteorological data indicated stable conditions with light southeast winds, scattered clouds, good visibility, and a temperature of approximately 28°C. Mutxamel Aerodrome is a private aerodrome primarily used for general aviation, with an 850-meter asphalt runway. ## Investigation Findings The investigation confirmed that the accident was caused by the aircraft striking a streetlight due to the final approach being conducted at a very low altitude. The pilot's experience and knowledge of the area suggested that overconfidence may have contributed to the hazardous situation.