What happened
On July 9, 2011, at approximately 20:30 local time, a CASA 1131-E (Bucker Jungmann), registration EC-FSH, was conducting maneuvers near Zaragoza, Spain. The aircraft, operated privately, had departed from Zaragoza airport at 19:50 to practice steep turns and stalls.
While returning to the "Echo" reporting point at an altitude of approximately 60 and 600 meters AGL, the pilot reported a loss of engine power. The tachometer dropped to approximately 1,000 RPM, which the pilot initially attributed to the effect of airflow on the propeller blades. After verifying that the magneto switches were on and that oil pressure, oil temperature, and fuel pressure were within normal ranges, the pilot attempted to restart the engine twice using the manual fuel pump without success. The fuel selector had remained in the "reserve/prime" position throughout the event.
Unable to restart the engine, the pilot performed an emergency landing. The aircraft touched down on a downward-sloping, relatively smooth area, crossed a vineyard, and struck an embankment before capsizing on plowed ground. The aircraft traveled approximately 200 meters from the initial touchdown. Both the pilot and the passenger escaped the wreckage without injuries.
The investigation
The CIAIAC examined the engine, ignition system, and fuel delivery components. Investigators checked the magnetos, spark plugs, and fuel flow to the carburetor, finding no abnormalities. The remaining fuel was clean and free of water, and the oil level and appearance were adequate. The engine block showed no cracks or mechanical failures, and the valves operated correctly.
Witnesses reported hearing the engine running shortly before the impact, and the damage to the wooden propeller blades was consistent with an impact while the engine was still producing power. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history, noting it had flown only seven hours since its last 100-hour inspection.