Incident Overview
On June 7, 2002, a Piper PA-28RT-201 with registration EC-DKR departed from Agoncillo aerodrome at 16:05 UTC. The aircraft was on a visual flight rules (VFR) route to Montpellier airport, carrying two occupants. The pilot, a 58-year-old private pilot with approximately 4,000 hours of experience, lost contact with air traffic control after a final transmission to Pamplona tower at 16:21 UTC.
Crash Site and Recovery
The aircraft impacted a nearly vertical rock wall located between the peaks of Petit Pessó (9,160 feet) and Pic de l’Estanyet (9,085 feet). The point of impact was situated approximately 7 meters below the summit on a narrow ledge. Both occupants were killed in the accident, and the aircraft was completely destroyed. Recovery efforts were complicated by poor weather conditions and difficult terrain; the wreckage was finally located by a ground firefighting team on June 9, 2002.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time of the accident, a warm front affected the area, resulting in overcast skies. Radar data indicated non-vertical cloud development with light precipitation. Local witnesses reported that the ridges were obscured by clouds, with bases estimated between 500 and 1,000 feet below the impact point. The aircraft did not request specific meteorological information from the departure aerodrome.
Technical Analysis
Investigation of the wreckage, including propeller blades showing signs of power application at impact, suggested the aircraft struck the terrain with level wings and a near-horizontal trajectory. Calculations based on wind speed and climb performance indicate the aircraft likely did not reach an altitude sufficient to clear the surrounding obstacles, which rise above 9,000 feet in the area.