Incident Overview
On Friday, April 20, 2001, at 12:00 UTC, a Piper PA-23-250 Azteca with registration EC-BXB experienced a runway overrun during an instructional flight at Son Bonet Aerodrome in the Balearic Islands. The aircraft was operated by GAVINAIR and owned by GESTAVI, S.L.
Flight Details and Sequence of Events
The aircraft was conducting training maneuvers involving multiple takeoffs and landings on Runway 06. During one such attempt, after retracting flaps and increasing power, the pilot initiated a new takeoff roll. At approximately two-thirds down the runway, with an indicated airspeed of 83 knots, the pilot reported that a flock of gulls took off directly in front of the aircraft. Consequently, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff by cutting engine power and applying maximum braking.
Contributing Factors
The runway surface was wet due to recent rainfall, which reduced braking efficiency. The aircraft's decision speed (V1) was 80 knots, meaning the abort occurred at a speed exceeding the point where the aircraft could be stopped within the remaining runway length. A witness reported that the aircraft briefly lifted off before returning to the ground, suggesting the actual speed may have been higher than indicated.
Damage and Outcome
The aircraft overran the end of the 1,000-meter runway, broke through the metal perimeter fence, crossed an adjacent road, and came to rest in an uncultivated field. Significant damage was sustained to the wings, propellers, nose section, and landing gear, which collapsed, causing the fuselage to drag on the ground. All four occupants evacuated safely without injury.