What happened
On the morning of June 17, 2003, at approximately 05:20, a Reims Cessna FR-172-J, registration EC-CMP, began its takeoff roll from the "Santa Catalina" private estate in Cabezas Rubias, Huelva. The operation was being conducted at night under moonlight. To provide visibility for the takeoff run, a vehicle was driving parallel to the aircraft, using its headlights to illuminate the path. During the takeoff roll, the vehicle crossed the aircraft's trajectory, leading to a direct collision between the plane and the car.
The impact caused significant damage to both the aircraft and the vehicle. The driver of the car became trapped inside the wreckage and required extrication by firefighters; the individual later died while being transported to the hospital. The pilot of the aircraft was found near the wreckage with injuries less severe than the driver's and was treated at a hospital before being discharged.
The investigation
The investigation established that the aircraft was being operated without a valid airworthiness certificate, which had expired more than a year prior. Furthermore, the aircraft was operating without any valid flight authorization from the DGAC. The investigation also noted that the pilot did not possess a valid license or any recognized authorization to operate Spanish-registered aircraft.
Regarding the location, the site used for the takeoff and parking of the aircraft was not an authorized private aerodrome listed in the AIP, nor was it a recognized emergency field. The investigation also examined the lighting conditions, noting that the method used to illuminate the runway—a moving vehicle—did not meet any established aviation standards.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the collision with a vehicle that moved into the aircraft's takeoff path.
- The lighting system used for the operation was non-standard and unsafe.
- The vehicle was positioned dangerously close to the aircraft's trajectory.
- The aircraft was flying with an expired airworthiness certificate and lacked necessary flight permits.
- The pilot lacked the legal authorization to operate the aircraft under Spanish regulations.