What happened
On October 28, 2007, a privately operated VANS RV4, registration EC-ZNT, departed from an unpaved forest strip located at the Campo de Aviación del Páramel de Arbejal in Cervera de Pisuerga, Palencia. The flight was a private general aviation mission intended to return to the Casarrubios del Monte Aerodrome (LEMT).
Immediately following takeoff from runway 17, the aircraft entered a continuous right-hand turn. While at an estimated altitude of only 20 meters, the aircraft lost lift and entered a steep dive. The aircraft impacted the ground with significant force, resulting in two fatalities (the pilot and one passenger). The impact was characterized by a vertical descent with little horizontal velocity, as evidenced by the concentrated debris field and lack of ground skid marks.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation focused on the flight path and the mechanical state of the aircraft. Investigators examined the wreckage, which showed extensive structural damage, including a deformed fuselage and broken control linkages caused by the impact. The engine, a Lycoming O-360A1A, was found to have been functioning normally until the moment of collision, with no evidence of mechanical failure or fuel starvation.
Investigators also analyzed the terrain and flight geometry. A mountain with an elevation of 1,480 meters was located approximately 2.8 km ahead of the takeoff point. The investigation reconstructed the flight path using eyewitness testimony and wreckage distribution, determining that the pilot had performed a prolonged turn to the right shortly after rotation.
Findings
- The aircraft was in the initial climb phase following takeoff.
- The engine and all aircraft systems were functioning correctly prior to the impact.
- The pilot executed a steep right-hand turn at a very low altitude and low airspeed.
- This maneuver increased the stall speed to a point where it exceeded the aircraft's actual airspeed, triggering a stall and subsequent loss of control.