Training flight accident at Madrid-Barajas

1 fatality • Madrid-Barajas-Adolfo Suárez, Spain • Takeoff (climb)

A training flight involving a student pilot resulted in a fatal crash during takeoff at Madrid-Barajas airport.

What happened

During a local training mission conducted at Madrid-Barajas, an aircraft experienced a critical loss of altitude immediately following liftoff. The flight, which was being operated for instructional purposes, entered a stall state shortly after leaving the runway, leading to a crash that resulted in the total destruction of the plane.

As a result of the impact, there was one fatality among the occupants. Additionally, five injuries were reported following the accident.

Findings

Investigations into the accident revealed that the pilot-in-command, who was a student at the time of the event, performed an improper rotation maneuver. The investigation concluded that the pilot pulled up on the control column too aggressively while the aircraft was traveling at an insufficient airspeed, estimated to be between 65 and 70 knots. This premature rotation caused the aircraft to assume an incorrect takeoff configuration, which ultimately led to the aerodynamic stall.

Probable cause

The student pilot initiated rotation before reaching a safe takeoff speed, causing the aircraft to stall.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-09-30 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Madrid-Barajas-Adolfo Suárez, Spain?

A training flight involving a student pilot resulted in a fatal crash during takeoff at Madrid-Barajas airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 1972-09-30 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1972-09-30 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration EC-AQE, operated by Spantax, at Madrid-Barajas-Adolfo Suárez, Spain.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot initiated rotation before reaching a safe takeoff speed, causing the aircraft to stall.

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