What happened
On July 1, 2012, an SMG-92 Turbo Finist, registration HA-NAH, was performing a parachuting drop operation at La Juliana Aerodrome in Seville, Spain. The aircraft, operated by Swallow Aviación, S.L., was preparing for its third flight of the day with two crew members and eight passengers on board.
During the takeoff roll on runway 27, the pilot attempted to rotate the aircraft after reaching what they believed to be an appropriate speed. However, the aircraft failed to lift off the ground. Realizing the aircraft was not rotating, the pilot attempted to abort the takeoff. During the deceleration process, the aircraft veered off the left side of the runway, breaching the aerodrome perimeter fence and impacting several olive trees. The impact caused significant damage to the propeller, engine fairing, landing gear, elevator, and wings. Despite the impact, the aircraft was evacuated in an orderly manner, and there were no injuries among the ten occupants.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aircraft configuration and the pilot's actions during the aborted takeoff. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, weight and balance calculations, and the physical state of the wreckage. The investigation also included statements from the pilot and a passenger.
Key findings from the technical examination included:
- The flaps were found in the 0° (up) position rather than the recommended 20° takeoff position.
- The throttle lever was found in an intermediate position following the accident.
- The aircraft's center of gravity was within allowable limits.
- The aircraft's takeoff performance tables indicated that with the given conditions, a takeoff run of approximately 340 meters would have been required.
Findings
- The pilot failed to configure the flaps to the 20° takeoff position, which is recommended for high-weight takeoff operations in this aircraft type. This configuration error meant the aircraft required a rotation speed of 86 kt instead of the 79 kt achievable with 20° flaps.
- Because the aircraft was not in the optimal configuration, the pilot attempted to rotate at a speed that was insufficient for the 0° flap setting.
- The pilot's application of the brakes was likely asymmetric, causing the aircraft to deviate from the runway centerline.
- The pilot did not properly engage the reverse thrust, which contributed to the extended distance required to stop the aircraft.