Asymmetric Braking Causes Tecnam P2008JC to Excursion at El Berriel

Casualties unknown • Aeródromo de El Berriel (Las Palmas), ES

A Tecnam P2008JC aircraft veered off the runway at El Berriel Aerodrome after the parking brake was inadvertently left in the locked position, causing a nose gear collapse.

What happened

On 25 August 2020, a Tecnam P2008JC, registration EC-NJX, experienced a loss of directional control during the landing roll-out on runway 07 at El Berriel Aerodrome, Spain. The aircraft, operated by Canavia Líneas Aéreas, was performing a private flight for the purpose of accumulating flight hours.

Following a smooth touchdown, the aircraft began to vibrate and drift rapidly to the right. The crew was unable to regain directional control, and the aircraft exited the paved runway onto the right-hand side-strip. Upon exiting the runway, the nose landing gear collapsed, causing the propeller to strike the ground. The aircraft came to a halt on the side-strip, resting on its main gear and lower forward fuselage. Both the pilot and the passenger were uninjured and evacuated the aircraft without assistance.

The investigation

The CIAIAC investigation focused on the cause of the loss of control and the origin of the asymmetrical braking. Investigators examined the condition of the tires, finding black discoloration marks on the right main tire, which indicated heat from the tire dragging against the asphalt while braked. /nTechnical analysis of the parking brake system revealed that the lever's design, location, and color made it difficult to verify its position from the cockpit. The assembly was located low in the pedestal, and the "FREE-LOCK" labels were not visible from the pilot's seat. Furthermore, the investigation found that the lever could be partially moved from the FREE position by a pilot's foot in a non-flying position (such as when feet are off the pedals).

Investigators also noted that the operator, Canavia, had previously installed an unapproved red catch to secure the lever in the FREE position, a modification made without manufacturer consultation or approved maintenance data. The pilot was also unaware of this specific installation.

Findings

  • The aircraft landed with the PARKING BRAKE in the LOCK position.
  • The primary cause of the excursion was asymmetric braking caused by the right brake circuit being pressurized while the left was not.
  • The design of the parking brake lever made it difficult to distinguish its position from the pilot's seat.
  • The pilot's lack of extensive experience in this specific aircraft type contributed to the error during checklist execution.
  • The aircraft's nose gear collapsed due to the impact with vegetation on the runway side-strip.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot landing with the parking brake in the locked position, which created asymmetric braking pressure between the left and right wheels, leading to a loss of directional control during the landing roll-out.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2020-08-25 TECNAM modelo P2008 accident near Aeródromo de El Berriel (Las Palmas), ES?

A Tecnam P2008JC aircraft veered off the runway at El Berriel Aerodrome after the parking brake was inadvertently left in the locked position, causing a nose gear collapse.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2020-08-25 involved a TECNAM modelo P2008, registration EC-NJX, at Aeródromo de El Berriel (Las Palmas), ES.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot landing with the parking brake in the locked position, which created asymmetric braking pressure between the left and right wheels, leading to a loss of directional control during the landing roll-out.

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