What happened
On 7 October 2006, a PZL M-18A Dromader, registration EC-FBI, operated by AVIALSA, crashed in the vicinity of Castellón aerodrome (Pinar del Grau) during a fumigation flight. The aircraft had completed its sixth flight of the day and the pilot had initially intended to conclude operations due to developing turbulence. However, following a discussion with a supervisor, the pilot decided to perform one additional flight on a different plot of land.
After taking off from runway 18, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled flight path only seconds after leaving the ground. The aircraft impacted the ground with a steep bank and pitch, striking a residential area approximately 150 meters from the aerodrome perimeter. The impact occurred between four single-family dwellings, causing damage to fences, trees, and outdoor structures, though the main buildings remained intact. The pilot, a highly experienced professional with 20,000 total flight hours, sustained fatal injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation focused on the mechanical state of the aircraft and the sequence of ground operations. Investigators recovered the pin used to immobilize the left elevator from the wreckage; notably, this pin lacked a visible warning flag. The investigation also examined the pilot's decision-making process and the interruption of ground procedures. Evidence suggested that the pilot had begun the process of securing the aircraft for the night—including installing control surface pins—but abandoned these tasks when the decision was made to resume flying.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the installation of the left elevator lock pin prior to takeoff, which rendered the elevators immobile and made the aircraft uncontrollable.
- The pilot's change of plans interrupted the aircraft's securing process, leading to the omission of the pre-flight control check.
- The takeoff checklist item regarding checking controls "free and clear" was not completed or was ineffective.
- The elevator pin lacked a warning flag, which likely contributed to the pilot failing to notice its presence.
- The pilot's decision to resume operations after having already begun parking procedures created a risk of incomplete safety checks.