What happened
On June 1, 2002, at 11:40 local time, a PIPER PA-28R-180, registration EC-BNY, was performing a dual instruction flight. After completing a local flight and maneuvers originating from Cuatro Vientos airport, the instructor decided to proceed to the Casarrubeos del Monte aerodrome to perform takeoff and landing training, as traffic and obstacles at the previous location prevented such maneuvers.
While operating on runway 08, the aircraft experienced a sudden and strong left yaw immediately upon the main landing gear making contact with the ground. The instructor attempted to regain control by applying full power and right rudder; however, the aircraft failed to respond, continuing to skid and turn left. The aircraft exited the paved runway, crossed a parallel unpaved runway, and came to a stop at an orientation of approximately 140 degrees relative to the runway axis. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, landing gear, and the right wing, but the two occupants remained uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition and the flight crew's actions. Meteorological conditions at the time included a temperature of 29 degrees Celsius, visibility exceeding 10,000 meters, and winds of 5 knots.
Technical inspections of the aircraft components and systems performed during disassembly revealed no pre-existing mechanical failures or conditions that could have caused the incident. The damage identified was determined to be a direct consequence of the excursion from the runway and the subsequent taxiing over uneven terrain. The instructor reported that there was no indication of braking by the student pilot prior to the yaw event.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a sudden loss of directional control immediately upon touchdown.
- The flight crew was unable to counteract the leftward yaw with full power and rudder inputs.
- No mechanical malfunctions or prior technical failures were identified in the aircraft's systems.