What happened
On September 10, 2005, an Air Tractor AT-802, registration EC-IHZ, was performing a landing on runway 36 at Castellón Aerodrome following a one-hour aerial firefighting mission. During the final approach, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude during the flare maneuver. This resulted in a very hard landing, primarily impacting the left landing gear.
The impact caused the left spring leaf to break, forcing the aircraft to veer to the left and depart the paved surface. The aircraft slid across the terrain, eventually coming to rest at a 60-degree angle to the runway centerline. The aircraft sustained important damage, including a bent propeller (four of the five blades), damage to the right landing gear, and structural damage to the lower fuselage and skin. The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, was uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's flight path, the meteorological conditions, and the pilot's actions during the approach. At the time of the incident, weather conditions were CAVOK with a temperature of 24°C and a crosswind from 060° at approximately 10 to 12 knots. The pilot reported experiencing light turbulence at low altitude.
Investigators analyzed the flight manual (AFM) requirements for approach speeds, which recommend an indicated airspeed (IAS) between 93 kt and 105 kt depending on the aircraft's weight when flaps are fully extended. The investigation also reviewed the physical evidence of the wreckage, noting that the propeller blades were deformed in a manner suggesting the engine was either stopped or rotating at a very low speed during the ground excursion.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a sudden drop in altitude during the flare maneuver.
- The pilot did not maintain a sufficient speed margin above the recommended approach speed, which was critical given the presence of a crosswind and light turbulence.
- The loss of airspeed during the flare maneuver led to a loss of lift, causing the aircraft to drop abruptly and strike the runway with excessive force.