Flight Information
On March 29, 2017, a Swiss-registered Cessna 140, HB-CAD, departed from Agadir Al Massira Airport (GMAD) on a private pleasure flight as part of a group of three aircraft. The intended destination was Guelmime Airport (GMAG). All flights were conducted under visual flight rules (VFR) in controlled airspace. According to the pilot's statement, the third aircraft in the group handled radio communications from engine start.
Accident Sequence
At 14:47 UTC, when approximately 16 nautical miles from Guelmime, the third aircraft contacted air traffic control (ATC) and received information: runway 05 in use, wind 120° at 18 knots, QNH 1015 hPa, and instructions to report when the airport was in sight. The pilot of the second aircraft suggested returning to Agadir, but the third aircraft's pilot deferred the decision.
At 14:50 UTC, wind was updated to 120° at 12 knots. The third aircraft's pilot asked if a different runway was available for a headwind landing; ATC replied that only runway 05 was available. At 14:53 UTC, the third aircraft's pilot offered to land first; the HB-CAD pilot accepted only if wind conditions were favorable.
At 14:55 UTC, ATC reported wind 130° at 8 to 13 knots. At 14:59 UTC, after receiving landing clearance and the latest local weather observations, HB-CAD was on final approach to runway 05. During landing rollout and deceleration, the aircraft encountered a crosswind gust, lifted on the right side, and the left wing struck the ground violently. The aircraft then flipped onto its back.
Occupant Injuries and Aircraft Damage
Both the pilot and the passenger exited the aircraft uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage: the left wing showed significant deformation of the lower surface, leading edge, and wingtip; the right wing had minor leading edge and wingtip deformation; the vertical stabilizer and fuselage had slight deformation. The propeller blades were bent backward, and the spinner was dented. Friction marks from the propeller and wing were left on the runway.
Meteorological Information
Weather forecasts were considered suitable for the planned flight. At 14:45 UTC, observed wind at Guelmime was 120° at 18 knots. At 14:59 UTC, it was 130° at 8 knots. At 15:00 UTC, it was 160° at 14 knots. The pilot had access to available meteorological bulletins and forecasts. Lighting conditions were clear daylight.
Additional Information
The pilot, aged 60, held a valid PPL license (valid until 31/03/2018) with ratings for MS 317, T6, and C140. Total flight time was 1109 hours 31 minutes, including 352 hours 30 minutes on the Cessna 140. The aircraft, a 1947 Cessna 140 (serial number 13033), had been returned to service in February 2014 after 10 years of storage. Its airworthiness certificate was valid until 22/01/2018; however, the investigation team could not determine the exact airworthiness status because the pilot did not have the aircraft, engine, or propeller logs on site. Performance limitations and weight and balance could not be verified due to the absence of a flight file.
After the accident, ATC alerted the airport rescue and firefighting service (SSLIA), which sprayed the AVGAS spill on the runway and righted the aircraft to prevent fire.