What happened
On September 27, 2009, at 11:45 h, a SOCATA Rallye 180-T, registration EC-DPK, was engaged in glider towing operations at the Ocaña Aerodrome in Toledo, Spain. After completing five consecutive glider tows, the pilot began a descent to land.
To minimize operational turnaround times for the gliders waiting to be towed, the pilot attempted a short landing, aiming to touchdown as close to the beginning of the runway strip as possible. However, the aircraft made contact with the ground before reaching the runway strip, specifically on a plot of land adjacent to the aerodrome.
As the aircraft rolled approximately 7 meters, it crossed a path located between the plot and the aerodrome. This path sat 40 cm higher than the adjacent terrain, separated by a small embankment. The main landing gear struck this embankment, causing both main gear legs—primarily the left—to collapse backward. The aircraft continued to slide on its nose gear, right main gear, and left wing, coming to a halt approximately 100 meters from the initial impact. The pilot remained uninjured, but the aircraft sustained important damage to the main landing gear, the left flap, and several ribs of the left wing.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, meteorological conditions, and the operator's established procedures. The weather at the time of the incident was favorable, with clear skies, high visibility, and light winds.
The investigation also reviewed the operator's specific towing procedures. According to these protocols, the towing aircraft should maintain an altitude of 100 ft over the runway strip during final approach to ensure the tow rope is released near the waiting gliders. The investigation found that the pilot intentionally deviated from this altitude to drop the rope closer to the gliders, thereby reducing the distance ground personnel had to travel to retrieve the cable.
Findings
- The pilot attempted to optimize operational efficiency by performing a short landing, which involved flying at an altitude below the established procedural minimums.
- This reduction in altitude significantly decreased the margin for error during the approach.
- The landing below established operational minimums caused the aircraft to impact an embankment outside the runway strip.
- The pilot'0s decision to prioritize speed over established safety margins led to the undershoot.