Factual Information
On September 6, 2002, at approximately 17:25 local time, a Piper PA-28-181 Archer II, registration EC-FJI, crashed near Villariezo, Burgos, Spain. The aircraft was owned and operated by the Real Aeroclub de Burgos and was based at Burgos Airport. It was conducting its third local instructional flight of the day, carrying a pilot instructor and a student pilot. No flight plan was filed, which was customary for some instructors at the airport. The flight was conducted under visual flight rules (VFR) in weather conditions suitable for such operations.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft was on approach, probably with a simulated engine failure (engine at idle), when it collided with a high-tension power line cable. The cable broke at one of its support towers, and the aircraft fell to the ground. The impact was followed by an explosion and fire that engulfed the aircraft and burned approximately four hectares of stubble field. When emergency services arrived, the fire was still burning. The broken power line cable was found lying on the wreckage, specifically on the inverted left wing, and had also fallen across the nearby Madrid-Irún railway line, temporarily halting train traffic.
Aircraft and Occupants
The aircraft was completely destroyed by the impact and subsequent fire, suffering irreparable damage. Both occupants, the pilot instructor and the student pilot, died in the accident. The exact time of the crash was inferred from the activation of emergency services at 17:30. The wreckage was located on a slope in a depression known as "Fuente el Caño" in the municipality of Villariezo, about 10 km south of Burgos. Coordinates of the wreckage were 42° 16.822' N / 03° 43.656' W. The site was approximately 30 meters from the railway and 100 meters from the power line.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the aircraft struck the power line during an approach, likely while practicing a simulated engine failure. No evidence was found to suggest any mechanical failure or other anomaly preceding the collision. The aircraft's engine and propeller were examined, but no pre-impact defects were identified. The investigation also noted that no flight plan had been filed for this local training flight.
Probable Cause
The cause of the accident was the collision of the aircraft with a high-tension power line during an approach, probably with a simulated engine failure.