Factual Information
On 14 June 2019, at 16:24 local time, a Cessna 172 aircraft, registration EC-HGG, operated by AEROTEC, was involved in an accident at Córdoba Airport (LEBA). The aircraft had departed from Seville Airport (LEZL) at 15:36 local time with an instructor and a student pilot on board. The flight was conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) as a training flight.
Flight History
After takeoff from runway 27 at Seville, the flight proceeded northbound and climbed to 4,500 ft. Following 48 minutes of flight, the crew began their descent near Palma del Río, performing a briefing and checklist. They entered the vicinity of Córdoba Airport from the west at 1,500 ft and were informed by the tower that runway 21 was in use. They joined the traffic pattern on the downwind leg for runway 21, reporting on each leg. Flaps were set to 10°, carburetor heat was applied, and landing lights were turned on. The crew completed the landing checklist and continued the descent.
On the final approach at 700 ft, the indicated airspeed was 70 kt. During short final, the instructor noted a wind gust and instructed the student to increase power (“mete motor”). As they neared the ground, the student reduced the throttle to idle and pulled back on the yoke, believing they were about to land, at a speed of 50 kt. The instructor then added power and lowered the aircraft's nose while stating he was taking control (“avión mío”). Despite this, the aircraft continued descending, striking the runway with the nose gear and the tail, resulting in a hard landing. The crew managed to briefly become airborne again, but the student again set the throttle to idle and did not release it, despite the instructor having declared control. The student later stated he was frozen.
The aircraft then impacted the ground again, became unstable, and the instructor applied power and attempted directional control with rudder pedals without success. The left wingtip struck the runway, followed by the nose (propeller), and then the right wing. The aircraft came to rest in grass on the left side of the runway, oriented perpendicular to the runway centerline.
Injuries and Damage
Both occupants were uninjured and evacuated the aircraft without assistance. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. No other damage occurred.
Personnel Information
The instructor, aged 44, held a Commercial Pilot License (CPL(A)) since 11 November 2011.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 172, registration EC-HGG.
Meteorological Information
A wind gust was reported on short final.
Wreckage and Impact
The aircraft struck the runway with its tail, then left wing, propeller, and right wing. The nose landing gear collapsed. The final position was off the left runway edge, aligned 90° to the runway axis.
Medical and Pathological Information
No injuries were reported.
Survival Aspects
Both occupants were able to exit the aircraft unaided.
Tests and Research
None specified.
Organizational and Management Information
Not specified.
Analysis
The accident sequence involved a destabilized approach where control was lost after the initial touchdown. The instructor’s attempts to recover were hindered by the student’s actions.
Conclusions
Findings
The aircraft approached unstabilized. The student reduced power prematurely. The aircraft touched down hard, then became airborne again before a second impact.
Probable Cause
The accident was caused by an unstabilized approach with loss of control of the aircraft after touchdown.
Recommendations
None.