What happened
On November 20, 2019, a Tecnam P2008JC, registration EC-NFS, was conducting a flight training mission at the El Berriel aerodrome in Gran Canaria. The flight, operated by Canavia Líneas Aélaras S.L.U., was intended to practice maneuvers and simulated engine failures.
During the flight, the crew—consisting of an instructor and a student pilot—performed a simulated engine failure after reaching an altitude of 400 feet. Following the procedure, the instructor reduced power to idle and initiated a 180-degree turn to return to the runway. However, the aircraft was unable to maintain proper alignment with the runway due to a significant tailwind component. As the aircraft attempted to realign with the runway, it lost airspeed and entered a stall.
At approximately 100 feet above the ground, the instructor applied power in an attempt to recover, but the aircraft was unable to regain flight control. The aircraft struck the ground with a vertical impact, causing the landing gear to collapse and the aircraft to slide along the side of the runway. The impact resulted in two minor injuries to the crew members.
The investigation
The CIAIAC examined the flight procedures, the aircraft's technical condition, and the environmental factors present during the accident. The investigation reviewed the flight school's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which specified that engine failure simulations above 400 feet should involve a 180-degree turn.
Investigators also analyzed the meteorological conditions, noting that winds from the west were creating a tailwind component during the approach. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's stall warning system was fully functional, though the crew did not recall hearing it during the event. The technical analysis of the wreckage showed significant damage to the landing gear, propeller, engine, and the lower fuselage, consistent with a high-angle, vertical impact.
Findings
- The aircraft was performing a simulated engine failure maneuver using a 180-degree turn to return to the runway.
- The approach was conducted with a tailwind and was significantly misaligned with the runway axis.
- The aircraft entered a stall due to the loss of airspeed during the maneuver.
- The instructor applied power at a low altitude, but the aircraft could not recover before impacting the terrain.
- The landing gear failure and subsequent fuselage damage were caused by the vertical nature of the impact.