What happened
On 20 August 2008, a Spanair McDonnell Douglas MD-82, registration EC-HFP, was performing a takeoff from runway 36L at Madrid-Barajas Airport. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft failed to rotate as expected. As the aircraft reached high speed, the crew attempted to manage the situation, but the aircraft eventually veered off the runway. The accident resulted in significant damage to the aircraft, though there were no fatalities or injuries to the crew or passengers.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation focused on the configuration of the aircraft's high-lift devices and the performance of the takeoff warning system. Investigators examined the flight data recorder, cockpit voice recorder, and maintenance records. A critical part of the technical analysis involved the ground sensing system, specifically the R2-5 relay, and the behavior of the Ram Air Temperature (RAT) probe heater. The investigation also scrutinized the crew's execution of the before-takeoff checklist and the adherence to sterile cockpit procedures during the critical phases of flight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the incorrect configuration of the flaps and slats during the takeoff roll.
- The takeoff warning system (TOWS) failed to alert the crew to the improper setting of the high-lift devices.
- There were discrepancies in the maintenance records regarding the monitoring of the RAT probe heater, which had shown excessive temperature indications on the ground.
- The crew failed to properly verify the flap and slat positions during the pre-takeoff phase.
- Distractions in the cockpit may have compromised the effectiveness of the checklist execution.