What happened
On October 24, 2005, at approximately 16:30 local time, a Cessna 172N, registration EC-EME, crashed into a crane at a construction site near San Quirze del Vallés, Spain. The aircraft had departed from runway 31 of Sabadell Airport with a pilot and three passengers.
During the initial climb, witnesses observed the aircraft exhibiting an irregular pitch angle and an inconsistent climb slope. Approximately one mile from the runway, the aircraft struck the jib of a crane that was positioned within the airport's inner horizontal surface area. The impact caused the engine and propeller to become embedded in the crane, while the remainder of the aircraft fell onto the building under construction. A fire broke out upon impact, and the aircraft was almost entirely destroyed. All 4 occupants of the aircraft perished.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation focused on the aircraft's flight path, the possibility of meteorological interference, and the legality of the obstacle. Investigators examined the aircraft's weight and balance, estimating that the aircraft may have been operating at approximately 2,592 lb, which is roughly 339 lb over its maximum takeoff weight.
Engine and propeller components were inspected, but no mechanical malfunctions were identified that would explain the degraded performance. The investigation also looked into reports of downdrafts at the end of runway 31. While local pilots noted that such phenomena are common in specific wind conditions, no official meteorological records confirmed downdrafts affecting the aircraft during this specific flight, as other aircraft operating around the same time did not report such issues.
Furthermore, the investigation confirmed that the crane's installation had not been authorized by the Spanish Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) and that the structure was encroaching on protected aviation easements.
Findings
- The aircraft was likely operating with excess weight, potentially exceeding the maximum takeoff weight by several hundred pounds.
- The crane was an unauthorized obstacle encroaching on the airport's inner horizontal surface area.
- No technical failures were found in the aircraft's powerplant.
- The pilot's visibility may have been reduced due to the aircraft's nose-up attitude during the struggle to maintain altitude.
Safety action
Following the discovery of the easement violation, the CIAIAC issued safety recommendation 35/05, urging the Ministry of Transport and Public Works to inspect general-use airports for obstacles that might affect aviation easements and to implement measures to mitigate risks from identified obstructions.