What happened
On August 17, 2022, at approximately 13:35 local time, a Cessna 182L, registration EC-MZY, was involved in a ground accident at El Berriel Aerodrome in Las Palmas. The aircraft, operated by Wind and Wings Sun Trip S.L. for skydiving operations, had just completed a successful landing on runway 07 following a challenging approach characterized by strong wind gusts.
After landing, the pilot attempted to taxi via the penultimate exit to reach a parallel taxiway. During a 180-degree left turn, the wind caused the right wing to lift. As the aircraft continued the turn, the left wingtip and propeller blades made contact with the pavement. The aircraft then pivoted on the contact point, causing the tail to rise until the propeller struck the ground, eventually resulting in the aircraft overturning completely. The pilot was uninjured and able to exit the cabin independently.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined surveillance footage, meteorological reports from AEMET, and the aircraft's flight manual. The investigation noted that the pilot had previously experienced a failed landing attempt due to heavy gusts, which required a go-around. Meteorological data confirmed the presence of strong trade winds with significant gusts, reaching up to 35 knots, and horizontal wind shear induced by the local terrain.
Investigators analyzed the aircraft's flight manual, which provides specific instructions for positioning control surfaces during taxiing to minimize wind influence. The investigation also reviewed the operator's manual, noting a lack of specific procedures for high-wind taxiing operations.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to adhere to the Flight Manual instructions regarding the positioning of control surfaces to minimize wind influence during taxiing.
- The pilot's taxi speed was estimated at 15 km/h, which was significantly higher than the recommended low speed for such conditions.
- The aircraft was operating in challenging meteorological conditions involving shifting wind directions and strong gusts near the pilot's self-imposed operational limits.
- A loss of situational awareness likely occurred following the high-workload landing phase, leading to the pilot's error in managing the wind's effect on the control surfaces during the turn.
Safety action
- REC 33/23: It is recommended that 'Wind and Wings Sun Trip S.L.' update its operations manual to include specific procedures and limitations for aircraft operations (including takeoff, landing, taxiing, and parking) during strong wind conditions, and to more clearly define criteria for flight cancellations due to excessive winds.