What happened
On June 29, 2021, at approximately 15:30 local time, a PIPER PA-28R-180, registration EC-CMR, was performing a private flight from a private estate in Navalmoral de la Mata, Cáceres, to the Casarrubical aerodrome in Toledo. The aircraft was operated by a single pilot.
During the landing phase on runway 08, the pilot reported a smooth touchdown with no bounces. However, during the landing roll, the left main landing gear collapsed. This caused the left wing to make contact with the asphalt, dragging along the runway surface. The aircraft subsequently veered to the left and exited the runway into the grass strip. The pilot was uninjured and able to exit the aircraft on foot.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation faced significant obstacles due to a lack of cooperation from the pilot. Consequently, the investigators were unable to perform a physical inspection of the aircraft or access flight data. The aircraft was not available for examination at the time of the inquiry, and its location could not be confirmed by aerodrome personnel.
Regarding the aircraft's legal status, the investigation established that the PIPER PA-28R-180 did not have a valid airworthiness certificate. Furthermore, the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) had previously cancelled the aircraft's registration by office on July 21, 2020, because it had been without a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) since August 2013.
Additionally, the investigation could not verify the pilot's credentials. AESA records indicated no flight license or medical certification on file for the individual operating the aircraft at the time of the accident.