What happened
On August 8, 2003, at approximately 17:45, a Reims Cessna F172N, registration EC-EQG, was performing a dual-instruction flight near the Igualada Aerodrome in Barcelona. The flight, which originated from Sabadell, included several maneuvers, such as spirals and a simulated engine failure during climb.
Following a 180-degree left turn intended to align the aircraft with runway 35, the aircraft was pushed left of the runway centerline. The instructor applied maximum power to attempt to regain altitude, but when the aircraft failed to climb, the decision was made to land. The aircraft made contact with the ground outside the runway safety strip. While taxiing toward runway 35, the landing gear struck a longitudinal drainage ditch located at the edge of the safety strip, causing the aircraft to capsize. Both occupants, the instructor and the student, were able to exit the aircraft through the broken windshield without injuries.
The investigation
The CIAIAC examined the flight sequence, the meteorological conditions, and the aerodrome infrastructure. At the time of the incident, winds were recorded between 10 and 15 knots from a direction of 160-170 degrees, effectively acting as a tailwind for the intended landing on runway 35. The investigation also reviewed recent aerodrome works at Igualada, which had recently updated the runway and safety strip dimensions to comply with international standards.
Findings
- The aircraft's landing gear struck a drainage ditch, which triggered the rollover.
- The pilot's execution of the final segment of the maneuver was inadequate, likely due to an attempt to land with a reduced distance to the threshold following the final turn.
- The tailwind component contributed to the aircraft's displacement and likely caused the aircraft to approach the threshold too closely, reducing the available distance for proper alignment with the runway centerline.
- The aircraft sustained significant structural damage, including a deformed propeller, engine damage, and severe deformation to the fuselage and tail assembly.