Aircraft collision with building near Tenerife-Norte-Los Rodeos Airport

2 fatalities • Tenerife-Norte-Los Rodeos, Spain • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a house under construction during an approach to Los Rodeos Airport, resulting in two fatalities.

What happened

A twin-engine aircraft was performing a taxi flight from Tenerife-Sur-Reina Sofia Airport to Tenerife-Norte-Los Rodeos Airport when the accident occurred. The flight was operated with one pilot and one passenger on board. During the descent toward runway 12 at Los Rodeos Airport, deteriorating weather conditions prompted air traffic control to issue a special VFR clearance, directing the aircraft to approach runway 30 instead.

While operating under these conditions, the aircraft descended to an inadequate altitude. The plane struck a building that was currently under construction and subsequently crashed into a nearby garden. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the twin-engine aircraft. Both occupants, the pilot and the passenger, were killed in the crash.

Findings

The investigation determined that the accident took place while the flight was operating in IMC conditions under a VFR clearance. Several contributing factors were identified:

  • The pilot lacked sufficient flying experience.
  • Weather conditions were marginal at the time of the incident.
  • The crew failed to identify and avoid obstacles, potentially due to spatial disorientation.
  • High cockpit workload was noted, driven by low visibility, limited experience, and heavy radio traffic on the frequency.

Probable cause

The aircraft collided with an obstacle while attempting a VFR approach during instrument meteorological conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-05-09 Cessna 414 Chancellor accident near Tenerife-Norte-Los Rodeos, Spain?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a house under construction during an approach to Los Rodeos Airport, resulting in two fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1998-05-09 Cessna 414 Chancellor accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-05-09 involved a Cessna 414 Chancellor, registration EC-CVV, operated by Rentair, at Tenerife-Norte-Los Rodeos, Spain.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft collided with an obstacle while attempting a VFR approach during instrument meteorological conditions.

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