History of the Flight
The pilot rented the Cessna 172N, registration EC-EME, from Aeroclub Barcelona Sabadell. He informed the control tower of his intention to fly along the coastline for about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The aircraft carried the pilot and three passengers. At 16:28 local time, the aircraft was cleared for takeoff from runway 31 at Sabadell Airport. Eyewitnesses reported that the climb slope was not uniform, with an irregular pitch angle preventing a constant climb. At 16:30, about one mile from the airport, the aircraft struck a crane on a building under construction. The crane encroached upon Sabadell Airport's exclusion area and had not been authorized by the Spanish Civil Aviation Authority. The engine and propeller became embedded in the crane, while the rest of the aircraft fell onto the building and burned.
Injuries to Persons
The accident resulted in four fatalities: the pilot and three passengers.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft was largely incinerated except for the powerplant components, which remained stuck in the crane. The main wreckage came to rest inverted on the ground, except for the left wing half, which stayed upright against the building's metallic structure.
Other Damage
The crane's jib required dismantling and repair. Construction on the building was halted due to the fire to assess the damages.
Personnel Information
The pilot held a private pilot license obtained on September 20, 1999. He worked as an aircraft maintenance technician and was a member of the flight club, maintaining his license valid since issuance. He had logged 144 total flight hours. Since January 2002, he flew only Cessna 172N aircraft at the club, and after periods without flying, he would fly with an instructor. In the previous three years, he accumulated 26 hours and 9 minutes, all in Cessna aircraft.
Aircraft Information
The Cessna 172N was refueled before the flight with full tanks. Meteorological conditions at the time included a temperature of 21°C and wind from 260° at 8 knots. The aircraft's takeoff weight and balance, and performance data were examined during the investigation.
Communications and Airport Information
Communications with the tower occurred before takeoff. Sabadell Airport has aviation easements that were encroached upon by the crane. The downdraft phenomenon at the airport was considered but could not be confirmed as a factor. Eyewitness statements noted the irregular climb.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was the collision of the aircraft with a crane that was encroaching on Sabadell Airport's aviation easements and whose installation had not been authorized by the Dirección General de Aviación Civil.