What happened
On 10 October 2001, a Fairchild SA-226-AT (registration EC-GDV) was operating a non-scheduled international commercial flight from Barcelona, Spain, to Oran, Algeria. The aircraft, operated by Flightline, S. L., was carrying two crew members and eight passengers.
During the flight, the aircraft encountered an electrical storm characterized by heavy rainfall and turbulence. While flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), the crew requested a course change to avoid heavy cloud cover. The last radio contact with the Valencia Terminal Area Control Centre occurred at 10:38:17 h. Shortly thereafter, at 10:41:59 h, the aircraft disappeared from radar screens.
Search and rescue operations were launched immediately, involving multiple aircraft and helicopters. While some wreckage was found floating on the surface, much of the debris, including engine components and seat remains, was located on the seabed. Despite extensive search efforts, no survivors were found, and the total number of fatalities was 10.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation focused on the sudden loss of radar contact and the subsequent disappearance of the aircraft. Investigators analyzed radar tracks, recovered wreckage, and meteorological data. The concentration of the wreckage suggested that the aircraft did not explode at high altitude but rather disintegrated upon impact with the sea.
Investigators examined the possibility of structural failure or loss of control. The wreckage of the vertical fin and the position of the seats indicated that the aircraft likely struck the water in an inverted or high-pitch attitude. The investigation also considered the impact of the severe weather conditions on the crew's ability to maintain control of the aircraft.