2005 Piper PA-25 Agricultural Aircraft Accident in Aznalcázar (EC-BBI)

Incident Overview and Location On Tuesday, May 14, 2005, at approximately 09:00, a Piper PA-25 agricultural aircraft with registration EC-BBI was conducting rice-seeding operations in the municipality of Aznalcázar, Seville, Spain. The aircraft was operating from Finca Hato Blanco Viejo as part of a commercial agricultural campaign that typically involved flights from Monday to Friday, with daily flying time between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours. ## Aircraft and Operator Details The aircraft was a single-engine Piper PA-25 powered by one Lycoming O-540-B2B5 engine. It was operated by Martín Echevarría, S.L. The pilot in command was a 58-year-old commercial pilot with a valid agroforestry qualification, holding over 6,000 total flight hours, including approximately 1,500 hours on the type. ## Sequence of Events During the takeoff roll for the second flight of the morning, the aircraft departed the runway while carrying its agricultural load. After rolling approximately 30 meters, it fell into a canal adjacent to the runway. The pilot stated that he was using the right-wheel brake to counteract engine torque and maintain alignment with the runway, and he suggested a possible failure of the right-wheel braking system as a contributing factor. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft unassisted and was uninjured. The aircraft was destroyed and later recovered from the water by crane. ## Investigation and Findings The accident was reported to the CIAIAC two months after the incident. Due to the delay, investigators could not inspect tire marks or ground evidence. When the aircraft was accessed, it had been completely disassembled. The right wheel and its braking system had been removed and stored at the owner's facilities. The right landing gear leg structure was bent in all three tubes, and the hydraulic brake line remnants had been detached from their attachments. The right wheel disc was intact, but the caliper and caliper bracket were missing. The wheel rim had a fracture on its inner face, with no signs of brake skid marks on the disc and no visible hydraulic fluid leaks. ## Analysis and Conclusions The investigation noted that the aircraft's age, time in water, and structural damage led to its retirement. The general condition of the brake discs and systems on both wheels appeared good, suggesting maintenance had been adequate. The internal rim fracture and caliper detachment appeared to be consequences of the runway departure rather than the cause. The report concluded that there were no clear indications of incorrect braking system operation, though this could not be fully confirmed due to the delayed access and manipulation of the wreckage. The pilot's extensive experience was noted, but the possibility of a piloting error in maintaining the aircraft's trajectory during the takeoff roll remained a potential cause.