What happened
On August 20, 2008, at approximately 16:00 local time, a Dornier Do-27-A5, registration EC-CFM, was performing glider towing operations at the La Nava Aerodrome in Corral de Ayllón, Segovia. Following the fourth tow of the afternoon, the pilot attempted to land on runway 36.
To minimize the effects of a crosswind component, the pilot executed a maneuver involving an initial left turn followed by a right turn to establish a heading of 300°. During this sequence, the aircraft descended toward the terrain. As the aircraft leveled on the 300° heading, the nose dropped to approximately 15° down. The pilot attempted to apply full power and maximum elevator back-pressure; however, the engine response was insufficient to arrest the descent. The aircraft subsequently impacted the plowed ground immediately preceding the runway.
The pilot escaped the crash uninjured, but the aircraft sustained important damage, including a broken right landing gear leg, a bent left landing gear leg, bent propeller blades, and structural deformation to the lower spar.
The investigation
The CIAIAC examined the flight sequence, the aircraft's mechanical condition, and witness accounts. Investigators noted that the aircraft's tailwheel configuration and large empennage make it highly sensitive to wind, which explains the pilot's decision to land at a crosswind heading.
Witnesses on the ground observed that the right-hand turn was performed at a lower altitude than in previous operations. The investigation also focused on the engine's performance during the pilot's sudden application of power. While the pilot reported that the power did not engage, the technical inspection of the Lycoming engine revealed no mechanical anomalies or prior malfunctions.
Findings
- The aircraft was performing a landing maneuver at a lower altitude than usual during the turn.
- The pilot's sudden and abrupt application of power likely failed to produce the instantaneous response required due to the proximity to the ground.
- The inadequate maneuvering during the turn led to a loss of altitude that the pilot could not recover before impact.