What happened
On August 5, 2022, at approximately 13:10 local time, a PIPER PA-28-161, registration EC-GBL, was performing a private flight at the Casarrubios del Monte aerodrome (LEMT) in Spain. The aircraft, operated by Club Deportivo Básico Air Team One Flight Club, was on final approach for runway 08 with two passengers on board.
During the approach, the pilot maintained a speed of approximately 70–74 KIAS, which was higher than standard due to local turbulence. As the aircraft approached the threshold, it encountered an updraft caused by thermal activity. The pilot considered a go-around but did not execute the maneuver. The aircraft subsequently flew over the displaced threshold at an altitude of roughly 8 to 10 meters and touched down on the runway past the midpoint.
Upon touchdown, the pilot attempted to brake, but the aircraft could not be stopped within the remaining runway length. The aircraft overran the end of the runway, crossed the runway strip, and descended a slope, where it was eventually brought to a halt by bushes. All 3 occupants (the pilot and two passengers) were uninjured.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation analyzed GPS tracking data, airport security camera footage, and aircraft maintenance records. The investigation established that the aircraft's approach angle was approximately 8.2 degrees. GPS data indicated that even 406 meters past the threshold, the aircraft was still traveling at 60 KIAS. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's actions regarding the decision to continue the landing despite the high approach speed and the late touchdown point.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the contact with the runway after having passed the midpoint of the runway.
- A contributing factor was the pilot's failure to decide to interrupt the landing during the approach.
- The aircraft's high approach speed likely caused the aircraft to "float" over the runway threshold.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the nose landing gear, the propeller, and the rudder.