Accident Details
On 1 June 2002, at approximately 11:40 local time, a Piper PA-28R-180, registration EC-BNY, experienced a loss of control during a touch-and-go landing at the Casarrubios del Monte aerodrome in Toledo, Spain. The aircraft was operated under general aviation instructional flight (dual). The crew consisted of a commercial pilot/instructor and a student pilot. They had departed Cuatro Vientos airport at 09:40 local time, performed a local instructional flight of about one hour, and then conducted maneuvers for another hour. The instructor decided to perform a touch-and-go at Casarrubios del Monte due to traffic and obstacles at Cuatro Vientos.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft was established in the circuit with two other traffic aircraft and was stabilized on final approach to runway 08. Upon touchdown of the main landing gear, the aircraft made an unexpected and strong yaw to the left. The instructor reported that he did not feel any pedal movement from the student indicating braking. The instructor took control and applied full throttle and full right rudder, but the aircraft did not respond and continued turning left and skidding, without the crew regaining directional control. The aircraft departed the left side of the runway, crossed a parallel dirt strip, and came to rest with its heading approximately 140 degrees from the runway axis.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the propeller, landing gear, and right wing. Both occupants were uninjured.
Meteorological Conditions
Weather at the time included wind of 5 knots (direction not determined), no gusts, temperature 29°C, and visibility greater than 10,000 meters.
Inspection Findings
Post-accident inspection of the aircraft's components and systems after disassembly for transport to the operator's hangar revealed no evidence of any pre-existing failure or condition that could have caused the accident. All detected damage was consistent with the runway excursion and subsequent travel over uneven terrain.
Conclusion
The investigation determined that the most probable cause of the accident was the loss of control of the aircraft by the crew.