Accident Overview
On Sunday, 8 July 2001, at 12:50 hours local time, a Piper PA-38-112, registration EC-FPR, operated as a dual-control instructional flight, experienced a runway excursion during landing at Cuatro Vientos Airport in Madrid, Spain. The aircraft had departed from the same airport for a local training flight lasting approximately two hours and fifteen minutes. Upon return, during the landing roll, the aircraft exited the left side of the runway and came to a stop outside the airport perimeter fence.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft was a single-engine Piper PA-38-112 powered by a Lycoming O-235-L2C engine. The pilot in command was a 28-year-old commercial pilot and instructor with a total of 393 flight hours, including 130 hours on the PA-38 type.
Events Leading to the Accident
According to the instructor's statement, the approach to the airport was performed correctly and in compliance with applicable standards. However, the flare maneuver was executed defectively, causing the aircraft to bounce upon touchdown. The instructor heard the stall warning sound and took control, lowering the nose to gain speed and regain control. The aircraft then bounced a second time and veered left. Observing that the right wing was very close to the ground and believing there was insufficient time to execute a go-around, the instructor decided to continue straight ahead rather than attempt to realign the aircraft with the runway. The aircraft subsequently scraped against the airport perimeter fence and fell to the ground.
Post-Accident Actions
After the aircraft came to rest, the occupants shut off the magnetos and master switch before evacuating the aircraft by their own means. Both occupants were uninjured.
Weather Conditions
Wind data from the METAR at 11:00 UTC indicated intensity of 7 knots from 260°. At the time of the accident, the integrated meteorological system recorded instantaneous wind at 7 knots from 250°, with a 10-minute mean of 5 knots from 250° and a maximum gust of 10 knots.
Damage Assessment
The aircraft sustained significant damage to the propeller, landing gear, and general structure. The airport perimeter fence was also damaged.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was a hard landing that caused the aircraft to bounce and subsequent loss of control.