What happened
On October 19, 2004, at approximately 12:35 local time, a Partenavia P-68B (registration EC-IVC) was performing a commercial aerial photography mission at the Igualada-Ódena Aerodrome in Barcelona, Spain. The flight, operated by Grup Air-Med-S.A., had previously landed at the aerodrome to pick up two additional personnel for the mission.
During the subsequent takeoff roll from runway 35, the pilot observed a drop of approximately 200 RPM on the right engine tachometer when the aircraft reached a speed of between 55 and 60 knots. In response to this perceived engine issue, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff. The pilot applied the brakes and retarded the throttles; however, due to the limited remaining runway length, the aircraft could not be stopped within the paved surface. The aircraft exited the end of the runway, crossed the runway strip, and struck the aerodrome's perimeter fence. The impact caused the aircraft to penetrate approximately 30 meters into an adjacent field, where the nose gear and right main landing gear were damaged or torn away. All four occupants were uninjured.
The investigation
The CIAIAC examined the engine, the tachometer, and the takeoff performance data. Inspections of the right engine showed no mechanical anomalies, and the engine functioned normally during ground testing. No evidence of a malfunction in the tachometer was found, though the investigation noted that intermittent fluctuations in such instruments are possible.
Investigators also analyzed the takeoff distance. While the aircraft's manual suggested a ground roll of approximately 294 meters, the pilot estimated having already traveled 600 meters when the engine indication changed. The investigation considered that the actual takeoff roll was likely longer than the standard tables due to the use of a non-static takeoff technique, the necessity of maneuvering on the runway to align with the centerline, and the aircraft's specific performance characteristics. Furthermore, the investigation noted that a standard pilot reaction time of approximately five seconds at 60 knots would result in the aircraft traveling an additional 154 meters before braking was fully applied, likely exhausting the available runway and overrun area.
Findings
- The pilot decided to abort the takeoff after observing a drop in the right engine's RPM indication, which likely did not represent an actual loss of engine power.
- The pilot applied the engine failure procedure intended for speeds below the minimum control speed.
- Insufficient runway remaining prevented the aircraft from stopping before exiting the runway limits.