What happened
On September 24, 2019, a CESSNA 172S, registration EC-KBL, was performing a local instructional flight at Muchamiel Aerodrome (Alicante) when it veered off the runway during landing. The flight, which involved an instructor and a student pilot, was intended for navigation and maneuver practice.
During the landing roll on runway 30, the aircraft lost control and exited the left side of the runway approximately 300 meters from the threshold. The aircraft traveled roughly 170 meters across the ground before colliding with a parked aircraft located near a hangar. The impact caused significant damage to the propeller blades, engine cowling, and wing struts of the CESSNA 172S, while the parked aircraft sustained heavy damage to its right wing, cabin, and fuselage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the landing phase. Because the aircraft was not equipped with flight data or voice recorders, investigators relied on witness statements and physical evidence. The instructor reported that after taking control of the aircraft to manage a tailwind, the student pilot applied full power without warning. Although the instructor immediately reduced the throttle, the student applied power a second time, leading to the loss of directional control.
Physical evidence, including tire marks on the pavement and the dirt strip, indicated that the engine was producing power after the aircraft had already left the runway. The extent of the damage to the parked aircraft further suggested that the engine remained at high power through the moment of impact.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the improper application of throttle by the student pilot during the landing roll.
- The student pilot's sudden increase in power caused the aircraft to lose directional control and veer off the runway.
- The aircraft's engine was found to be developing power while the aircraft was exiting the runway.
- Both occupants of the CESSNA 172S were uninjured and able to evacuate the aircraft on their own.