What happened
On November 20, 2023, a Reims Aviation F152, registration EC-DRV, was performing a private flight at Sabadell Airport (LELL) in Spain. The pilot was conducting a local flight and approached runway 13 for landing. During the landing roll, the aircraft began to deviate toward the right side of the runway.
As the aircraft moved off the paved surface, it continued to travel until it struck a large airport sign. The impact caused extensive damage to the aircraft, specifically to the nose landing gear, the propeller, the engine cowling, and the forward fuselage. The pilot was uninjured and was able to exit the aircraft with the assistance of airport firefighters.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined flight tracking data, airport surveillance footage, and maintenance records. Analysis of the footage revealed that the aircraft performed a stabilized approach and touched down centered on the runway. The aircraft rolled along the centerline for approximately seven seconds before the deviation began.
Investigators noted that the pilot did not initially use the brakes to maintain the centerline. When the deviation toward the right began, the pilot applied heavy braking. This action caused the wheels to lock, leading to a lateral skid that prevented the pilot from regaining directional control. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's observations regarding a perceived tendency for the aircraft to drift right and a displaced turn coordinator ball, though maintenance records and previous flights on the same day showed no mechanical anomalies in the flight controls.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a runway excursion resulting from a loss of directional control.
- The pilot's application of heavy braking during the deviation caused the wheels to lock, inducing a skid.
- The aircraft's nose gear, propeller, and various structural components of the fuselage sustained significant damage due to the impact with the airport sign.
- While the pilot reported a tendency for the aircraft to drift and a non-centered turn coordinator, the investigation found no evidence of mechanical failure in the control systems or the inclinometer.