1 fatality

1972-09-30: Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (EC-AQE) — Spantax — Madrid-Barajas-Adolfo Suárez, Spain

Madrid-Barajas-Adolfo Suárez, SpainTakeoff (climb)

On September 30, 1972, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration EC-AQE) operated by Spantax was involved in an aviation accident near Madrid-Barajas-Adolfo Suárez, Spain during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot-in-command, a student under training, pulled up abruptly on the control column and initiated rotation prematurely when the aircraft's speed was insufficient (between 65 and 70 knots), causing the aircraft to adopt a wrong takeoff configuration and… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781233578Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered EC-AQE
Aircraft registered EC-AQE. Photo: Ken Fielding / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During a local training flight at Madrid-Barajas, an aircraft stalled and crashed at liftoff, killing one pilot and injuring five other occupants. The aircraft was destroyed.

Accident

A crew was completing a local training flight at Madrid-Barajas Airport. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft lifted off but immediately lost height, stalled, and crashed. The impact killed one pilot and injured five other occupants. The aircraft was destroyed.

Investigation

The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. The pilot-in-command, a student under training, pulled up abruptly on the control column and initiated rotation prematurely. At that time, the aircraft's speed was insufficient, between 65 and 70 knots. This led to an incorrect takeoff configuration and a stall.

The investigation did not specify the aircraft type, registration, or operator. No information about weather conditions or air traffic control involvement was provided.