Incident Overview
On Tuesday, 4 February 2025, at 16:24 local time, a runway incursion occurred at the airport of Córdoba, Spain, involving an Air Tractor AT-802 (registration EC-LNG) operated by Pegasus Aviación and a Cessna 172N (registration EC-EJG) in private operation.
The Air Tractor had departed from the Sebastián Almagro aerodrome (Palma del Río, Córdoba) with an instructor and a student on board for an instructional flight. After executing several maneuvers, the aircraft proceeded to Córdoba airport via waypoint W to perform touch-and-go landings. At that time, the airport was outside AFIS hours, and runway 21 was designated as the preferred runway.
The Cessna was at holding point A with a pilot and a passenger (who held a flight license) on board, warming up the engine in preparation for a private departure from runway 21.
At approximately 16:19, the Air Tractor performed a touch-and-go on runway 03 while the Cessna remained at holding point A. Following the Air Tractor's touch-and-go, the Cessna crossed holding point A and taxied along the runway toward the threshold of runway 21. After completing a 180-degree turn to align with runway 21, the Cessna's occupants again saw the Air Tractor approaching runway 03 from a distance.
Despite the Cessna occupants making several radio calls, the Air Tractor continued its approach. The passenger then took control of the Cessna, applied power, and moved the aircraft to the turning platform of runway 21. Subsequently, the Air Tractor performed another touch-and-go on runway 03 while the Cessna was on the turning platform, constituting a runway incursion.
No material damage or personal injuries occurred.
Investigation
The investigation focused on the study and analysis of the operations conducted by the crews of both aircraft. The investigation has concluded, and the final report will be published shortly.