What happened
On September 30, 2021, a PIPER PA 28-181, registration EC-DBU, was performing a flight for an audiovisual report when it experienced an accident during landing at the Casarrubered del Monte aerodrome in Toledo. The flight, which originated from Cuatro Vientos, carried four occupants: the pilot and three passengers.
Upon touchdown on runway 08, the aircraft experienced an unstable approach, bouncing twice before establishing contact with the pavement. During the landing roll, the aircraft drifted from the right side of the runway toward the left margin. As the aircraft continued down the runway at high speed, the pilot executed a sharp right turn in an attempt to avoid exiting the runway end. However, the aircraft failed to stop within the paved surface, veered off the runway, and the nose gear collapsed as the plane descended down a nearby embankment. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries and significant damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's wreckage, the runway conditions, and onboard video footage. The investigation confirmed that the braking and steering systems were fully functional. Post-accident functional tests of the brakes showed that both pistons and pads operated correctly.
Analysis of the aircraft's video footage revealed that the landing roll was not stabilized, as the aircraft bounced twice and the pilot's physical posture changed significantly during the roll, appearing to lean back into the seat in an attempt to apply more pressure to the brakes. Investigators also noted that the brake actuation rods were positioned in a way that they could be inadvertently pressed by the pilot's footwear. No skid marks were found on the runway or the adjacent dirt, confirming that the brakes were not effectively applied during the rollout.
Findings
- The landing was unstable, characterized by multiple bounces and a high-speed touchdown.
- The aircraft began the landing roll significantly offset from the runway centerline, reducing the available stopping distance by approximately 40%.
- The pilot failed to adequately apply the brakes and maintain directional control, possibly due to improper foot positioning on the pedals or inadvertently pressing the brake actuation rods instead of the pedals.
- The braking and steering systems were in good working order at the time of the accident.