Student Pilot Error Leads to Runway Confusion and Aircraft Capsizing in Córdoba

Casualties unknown • Hinojosa del Duque (Córdoba), ES

A student pilot flying a Robin DR-400/160 misidentified a plowed field as the runway during landing, resulting in an aircraft accident near Hinojosa del Duque.

What happened

On November 28, 2006, at approximately 18:00 local time, a ROBIN DR-400/160, registration F-BXRG, was performing a private general aviation flight from La Juliana aerodrome in Seville toward Hinojosa del Duque in the province of Córdoba. The flight proceeded normally until the pilot encountered deteriorating weather conditions near the destination. As dusk approached, visibility decreased due to low cloud ceilings, which the pilot estimated between 5/8 and 7/8 coverage.

During the approach to Hinojosa del Duque, the pilot misidentified a nearby agricultural field as the active runway. The aircraft struck the ground in a field located approximately 300 meters from the actual runway. The impact site consisted of a plowed, moist, and soft field. Upon initial contact with the terrain, the aircraft bounced several meters before eventually capsizing. The pilot escaped the wreckage uninjured, though the aircraft sustained damage to the nose gear, propeller, and fuselage.

The investigation

The CIAIAC investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making and the environmental conditions at the time of the landing. Investigators noted that while weather conditions at the departure airfield were favorable, the pilot had failed to consult the updated meteorological report for the destination aerodrome.

Physical evidence at the scene showed that the nose gear track was significantly deeper than the main gear tracks, indicating the nose-heavy nature of the impact. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting that the pilot was a student holding a student pilot license with 120 total flight hours, only 2 of which were accumulated in this specific aircraft type.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's confusion in identifying the runway due to poor visibility. Contributing factors included inadequate flight planning and the pilot's lack of proficiency in the aircraft type.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-11-28 Robin Chevalier Knight DR-400/160 accident near Hinojosa del Duque (Córdoba), ES?

A student pilot flying a Robin DR-400/160 misidentified a plowed field as the runway during landing, resulting in an aircraft accident near Hinojosa del Duque.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-11-28 involved a Robin Chevalier Knight DR-400/160, registration F-BXRG, at Hinojosa del Duque (Córdoba), ES.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's confusion in identifying the runway due to poor visibility. Contributing factors included inadequate flight planning and the pilot's lack of proficiency in the aircraft type.

Investigation report by the Spanish Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Commission (CIAIAC). Original record: https://www.transportes.gob.es/recursos_mfom/2006_063_a.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Comision de Investigacion de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviacion Civil (CIAIAC), Spain - Ministerio de Transportes y Movilidad Sostenible.

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