What happened
On November 13, 2018, at 16:39 UTC, a Cessna 150 F, registration EC-GQD, departed from Cuatro Vientos Airport (LECU) bound for Requena (LERE). The flight was being conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) by a single pilot.
Prior to departure, the pilot experienced engine start difficulties, which caused a delay and led to the expiration of the original flight plan. During this delay, a companion suggested diverting to Casarrubzkod Monte (LEMT) because the approaching sunset would make the original destination difficult to reach under VFR. Despite this, the pilot proceeded with the flight to Requena.
As the flight progressed, the pilot contacted his companion via mobile application to report radio malfunctions. At approximately 18:00 UTC, the companion suggested diverting to Albacete (LEAB) or Teruel (LETL), as the intended destination lacked runway lighting. Shortly thereafter, at 18:04 UTC, the aircraft struck a field in the municipality of Cervera del Llano (Cuenca). The pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's experience, the aircraft's maintenance status, and the flight planning process. The pilot held a Private Pilot License (PPL) with approximately 55 total flight hours and did not possess a night rating. The aircraft was airworthy, with all maintenance and engine systems functioning correctly at the time of the accident.
Investigators analyzed the flight plan acceptance process, noting that the flight plan was accepted by the ARO office despite containing data that indicated the flight was unfeasible, as the estimated arrival time was after sunset. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's use of commercial tablet-based navigation software and the lack of runway lighting at the destination aerodrome.
Findings
- The pilot lost visual references of the terrain while operating under VFR conditions.
- The flight was conducted in darkness, significantly exceeding the pilot's visual capabilities as he lacked a night rating.
- The pilot failed to adhere to VFR procedures regarding lighting conditions.
- The flight plan contained clear indicators of operational risk, specifically that the arrival time would occur after sunset.
- The flight planning and acceptance system lacked the functionality to reject plans with evident safety risks, such as arrival times post-sunset or flight durations exceeding aircraft endurance.