What happened
On July 8, 2001, a PIPER PA-38-112, registration EC-FPR, was performing a local training flight consisting of dual instruction. After approximately two hours and fifteen minutes of flight time, the aircraft returned to Cuatro Vientos Airport for landing. During the landing phase, the aircraft experienced a hard touchdown that caused it to bounce on the runway.
Upon hearing the stall warning, the instructor took control of the aircraft and lowered the nose in an attempt to increase airspeed and regain control. However, the aircraft bounced a second time and veered toward the left side of the runway. Realizing the right wing was dangerously close to the ground and determining there was insufficient time to execute a go-around, the instructor steered the aircraft toward the right, away from the runway centerline. The aircraft subsequently struck the airport's perimeter fence before coming to a stop in the terrain outside the airport boundaries. The occupants of the aircraft were uninjured and were able to evacuate the aircraft on their own.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, the aircraft's mechanical state, and meteorological conditions. Weather data from the time of the accident indicated light winds, with a recorded intensity of 7 knots from 250° and a maximum gust of 10 knots in the preceding ten minutes. The investigation reviewed the instructor's account of the landing maneuver and the physical damage to the aircraft, which included significant damage to the propeller, landing gear, and general airframe, as well as damage to the airport's perimeter fence.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a hard landing that resulted in an uncontrolled bounce of the aircraft.
- The pilot's decision to steer away from the runway was driven by the imminent risk of a wing strike.
- The aircraft sustained substantial structural damage during the excursion.