What happened
On August 3, 2006, an Air Tractor AT-802A, registration EC-JKI, was engaged in aerial firefighting operations near Játiva, Spain. After being redirected from one fire to another in the Sierra Aitana area, the pilot proceeded to the Guadalest Reservoir to replenish the aircraft's water tanks. The pilot followed the pattern of preceding aircraft, performing a manual water scoop from the northwest toward the southeast.
During the water scooping maneuver, the aircraft made contact with the water surface unevenly. As the water scoops were opened, the aircraft experienced a sudden and severe rightward yaw. This deviation caused the right float to strike the shoreline, resulting in its structural failure. Although the pilot attempted to regain control and increase power to take off, the aircraft capsized, and the propeller struck the water, leading to significant structural damage to the airframe and the loss of both floats.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined the aircraft's configuration, the pilot's training, and the operator's safety management systems. Investigators found that the landing gear was not deployed, ruling out landing gear interference. While the status of the water scoops was confirmed as closed at the moment of impact, the investigation focused on why the aircraft's trajectory deviated so sharply.
Furthermore, the investigation scrutinized the operator's manuals and the pilot's preparation. It was noted that the pilot was operating in an unfamiliar environment and was using a flight manual that did not specifically address the amphibious modifications of the aircraft. The investigation also looked into the regulatory oversight provided by AESA regarding the authorization and monitoring of aerial work companies.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an asymmetric landing, which caused the aircraft to hit the water unevenly.
- Upon opening the water scoops, the uneven distribution of water entering the tanks created a significant yawing motion that pulled the aircraft off its course.
- The attempt to continue the takeoff maneuver after the initial impact exacerbated the damage.
- Contributing factors included the pilot's lack of familiarity with the specific operating environment and the lack of adequate operational information regarding the amphibious aircraft.
- The operator's manual lacked specific procedures for fixed-wing aerial work, focusing instead on helicopter operations.
- The pilot was utilizing a flight manual that did not correspond to the specific amphibious model being operated.