What happened
On September 1, 2004, at 14:02 UTC, a Piper PA-31-P, registration EC-GYD, departed from runway 27 at Seville Airport, bound for Tangier. The aircraft was carrying three occupants: the pilot in command, a second crew member performing familiarization duties, and one passenger.
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced a malfunction in one of its engines, most likely the right engine. The pilot notified the tower that the aircraft was experiencing engine problems and intended to return to the airport. During the attempt to execute a right-hand turn to rejoin the traffic pattern, the aircraft's altitude and speed decreased significantly. The aircraft impacted the ground approximately 1,500 meters north of the runway 09 threshold, resulting in a post-impact fire. All three fatalities occurred as a result of the impact and subsequent fire.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft wreckage, maintenance records, and radar data. While the aircraft was found to be airworthy and maintained according to the approved program, the intense fire prevented investigators from determining the exact cause of the engine malfunction.
Secondary radar data showed that after takeoff, the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 400 to 500 feet. During the subsequent right-hand turn, the aircraft's speed dropped from 120 knots to approximately 90 knots. Witnesses also noted the low altitude and observed the aircraft entering a spin to the right during the maneuver.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the failure of the right engine during the initial climb phase.
- The pilot deviated from the established emergency procedures outlined in the flight manual, which required maintaining a minimum speed of 112 knots and climbing to at least 1,000 feet before maneuvering.
- The pilot attempted a return to the field at an altitude of only 400 to 500 feet, which was below the safety minimums.
- The execution of the right-hand turn, combined with the loss of power from the right engine, led to a loss of airspeed, bringing the aircraft close to its stall speed and ultimately causing a stall and subsequent spin.