Fatal Spin During Approach at Madrid (EC-ADI)

Flight Details and Accident Sequence The aircraft was operating a scheduled passenger transport flight from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid with 32 passengers and 5 crew members on board. During the approach, the flight passed downwind to align for landing on runway 23, during which the control tower issued a green light for landing. The aircraft passed at an altitude of approximately 300 meters, banking slightly left to better observe the light signal. At 1904 hours, the pilot saw the green light, corrected the left bank, and began a right bank that developed into a right spin continuing to the ground. ## Impact and Fire The aircraft struck the ground with the front part of the fuselage, the right wing, and the right engine propeller, then caught fire. Airport fire-fighting services reached the aircraft six minutes after the accident and responded promptly, but the fire could not be completely extinguished for more than an hour. The fire's effects were reduced enough that the occupants might have survived had they not all died from the violent impact. ## Official Findings The official probable cause was attributed to personnel errors. The failure of radiotelephony required the pilot to concentrate on the green light during the approach maneuver. The pilot's attention was so distracted that the aircraft was operated close to the speed limit. The source notes that such a distraction is infrequent but may occur after 5,000, 7,000, or even 13,000 flying hours.