What happened
On the morning of June 22, 2007, a CESSNA 172R, registration EC-ITY, was conducting a routine flight instruction session involving takeoffs and landings at Madrid/Cuatro Vientos Airport. The flight was operated by American Flyers España, S.L. and was occupied by a flight instructor and a student pilot.
During the second circuit of the flight, while established on the base leg for runway 28, the student pilot reduced power to begin the descent. Upon realizing the power had been cut too early, the student attempted to increase the throttle, but the engine failed to respond to any adjustments. The instructor verified that the throttle movement and friction were normal, and even activating the electric fuel pump yielded no change in engine RPM.
After declaring an emergency, the instructor initially attempted to reach the runway head. However, due to the low altitude and insufficient airspeed, the crew determined they could not reach the aerodrome and instead selected a nearby unpopulated field for a forced landing. The crew followed emergency procedures, including extending full flaps and securing the cabin. The aircraft contacted the ground in a grassy area near the intersection of the M-45 and M-40 highways. The impact occurred on a steep upward slope, which caused the nose gear to break, resulting in the aircraft flipping onto its back.
The investigation
The CIAIAC examined the engine, the flight controls, and the aircraft's maintenance history. Investigators inspected the Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine, including the magnetos, spark plugs, fuel system (gascolator, fuel lines, and injectors), and the mechanical fuel pump. All components appeared to be in good working order. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance logs, noting that the engine was a rebuilt unit that had been properly maintained according to the approved program.
Investigators also looked into a later FAA Emergency Airworthiness Directive regarding fuel control seals on similar engines; however, the specific part numbers on EC-ITY were not among those affected by that directive.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an unidentified engine failure during the base leg of the flight.
- The pilot's decision to perform a forced landing in the nearest available field was considered correct, as attempting to reach the runway would have likely resulted in an impact in a more populated area.
- The aircraft's nose gear and left main gear sustained significant damage, and the aircraft overturned due to the steep terrain at the landing site.
- The crew, consisting of two individuals, escaped the wreckage without injuries, aided by the proper use of safety harnesses.
- The engine failure could not be precisely attributed to a specific mechanical defect, as all inspected components were found to be functional.