What happened
On June 21, 2002, at 10:15 local time, a PZL M18A agricultural aircraft, registration EC-EVI, was performing its eighth flight of the day during a crop-spraying operation in Lliria, Valencia. The aircraft was using a temporary, compacted dirt runway known as Rambla Castellana, which measured 550 meters in length and 20 meters in width. Prior to the flight, the aircraft had been refueled with 400 liters of fuel and loaded with 1,500 liters of spray mixture.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot realized the aircraft was consuming more runway than anticipated and was approaching the end of the strip. In an attempt to avoid the ravine at the end of the runway, the pilot released the spray load and attempted to rotate the aircraft. While the aircraft lifted slightly, it subsequently struck the ground and veered slightly to the left. The aircraft came to a stop approximately 500 to 600 meters beyond the end of the runway. The pilot was uninjured and exited the aircraft on his own.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's performance capabilities, weight and balance, and environmental conditions. The aircraft's takeoff weight was 4,681 kg, which was within the permitted limits for its specific operational configuration. The center of gravity was found to be within limits, though positioned toward the rear of the allowable range.
Investigators analyzed the takeoff performance requirements under the prevailing conditions, which included a temperature of 25°C. Calculations indicated that for the aircraft to safely lift off on a 550-meter runway, a headwind of at least 10 m/s would have been required. Additionally, the investigation noted that the release of the spray load caused the center of gravity to shift forward, making rotation more difficult.
Findings
- The aircraft did not have sufficient runway length to complete the takeoff given the high takeoff weight and the ambient temperature of 25°C.
- Insufficient runway length for the prevailing weight and environmental conditions was the primary cause of the overrun.
- The release of the spray load during the takeoff roll caused a forward shift in the center of gravity, complicating the pilot's ability to rotate the aircraft.
- A discrepancy was noted between the aircraft's approved maintenance program and the actual maintenance being performed, although this was not a contributing factor to the accident.