What happened
On September 10, 2005, a Piper PA-28-161, registration EC-FGO, departed Madrid-Cuatro Vientos for a local flight with four occupants on board. After landing at the Fuentemilanos Aerodrome in Segovia, the aircraft departed again from runway 34 shortly after 14:00 local time.
During the initial climb, the crew identified an emergency involving a partial loss of engine power and a drop in oil pressure. The pilot began a left turn followed by a right turn intended to return to the airfield. However, the aircraft lacked sufficient altitude to reach the runway. The aircraft struck a recently plowed field approximately 40 and 50 meters to the right of the extended runway centerline. The impact caused significant damage to the aircraft and resulted in four serious injuries, with one passenger later succumbing to their injuries four days after the accident.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the crew's performance, and the flight sequence. Investigators found that the aircraft had been maintained according to the established program and was within weight and balance limits. The crew was found to be properly qualified and experienced, with valid licenses and medical certifications.
Analysis of the flight path indicated that while the crew initiated the correct emergency procedure for oil pressure loss, they did not complete the necessary steps to prepare for an off-field engine-out landing. The investigation also noted that the aircraft impacted the ground in a landing attitude but with excessive descent rate, high airspeed, and full throttle, suggesting the crew believed they could still reach the runway.
Findings
- The crew identified a partial loss of engine power and oil pressure during the climb.
- The crew initiated the appropriate emergency procedure for oil pressure loss but failed to complete the preparations for an emergency landing outside of an airfield.
- The crew did not prepare the aircraft for an engine-out emergency landing, likely because they believed they could reach the runway without further complications.
- The aircraft impacted the terrain with high airspeed, full power, and retracted flaps, which were inconsistent with an appropriate off-field emergency landing configuration.