What happened
On September 24, 2007, a MORANE SAULNIER MS 893 E, registered F-BTVI, was conducting a private flight from Ibiza Airport to La Axarquia Aerodrome in Malaga. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and three passengers under visual flight conditions.
During the flight, the aircraft encountered extensive cloud formations while traversing a mountainous region. To avoid the cloud layer, the pilot decided to descend from approximately 7,38 8 ft to 4,000 ft, hoping to find clearer skies and less irregular terrain. However, as the aircraft entered the Gador Mountains, the terrain elevation increased significantly. The pilot attempted to climb to clear the surrounding peaks, but the aircraft's rate of climb was insufficient. To minimize the impact speed, the pilot deployed full flaps, and the aircraft struck a mountain at an altitude of approximately 1,717 meters.
Following the impact, the aircraft remained largely intact, though the engine and landing gear sustained significant damage. One passenger was evacuated by a private vehicle, while the remaining three occupants were rescued by an INFOCA emergency helicopter approximately one hour and 16 minutes after the accident. One passenger sustained a serious injury, while the others suffered minor injuries.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined the flight planning, meteorological conditions, and the aircraft's performance. Analysis of the GPS data revealed that while the flight followed the planned route, the pilot had not accounted for the terrain elevations at the chosen waypoints. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience and the aircraft's mechanical state, finding no evidence of technical failure or pilot fatigue. Meteorological data confirmed the presence of clouds and fog in the area at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was flying at an excessively low altitude within a mountainous region.
- A lack of knowledge regarding the specific terrain elevations in the Gador Mountains contributed to the event.
- The decision to continue the flight under unfavorable meteorological conditions, specifically flying beneath a dense cloud layer, was a contributing factor.
- The pilot's decision to use full flaps during the final moments helped minimize the impact speed and prevented more severe injuries.
- The aircraft was in compliance with all weight and center of gravity requirements at the time of the accident.