What happened
On February 28, 2005, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, registration EC-IHD, was performing a scheduled domestic cargo flight from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca. During the initial climb phase at approximately 800 ft, the pilot noticed significant vibrations and an inability to maintain airspeed or altitude despite applying full power.
As the crew attempted to manage the situation, they retracted the flaps from setting 2 to setting 1, which appeared to exacerbate the aerodynamic issues. The aircraft began to lose altitude rapidly, at rates reaching 1,200 ft/minute. During a steep 180-degree turn to return to the airport, the flight controls became partially jammed, requiring the co-pilot to physically assist in moving the control wheel to recover roll control. Unable to reach the active runway, the pilot performed an emergency landing on taxiway Tango. The aircraft sustained minor engine over-torque damage, but there were no injuries to the crew.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined the meteorological conditions, aircraft maintenance, and crew procedures. At the time of the incident, Barcelona was experiencing a period of intense cold, with heavy snow and high humidity. The investigation found that the aircraft had been parked outdoors and was covered in snow. The crew had attempted to clear the nose and wheel with brushes and used a small ladder to remove some snow from the wings, but they believed the propeller wash would clear any remaining accumulation during takeoff.
Investigators also noted that de-icing services at the airport were delayed due to a breakdown in de-icing equipment, which forced the fire service to assist in the process. Furthermore, the investigation reviewed the crew's flight history and the aircraft's recent maintenance, noting that the aircraft had recently undergone a new airworthiness certification after a previous landing gear incident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the stalling of the aircraft due to ice formation on the airframe during takeoff.
- The aircraft was not protected by adequate de-icing or anti-icing fluids prior to departure.
- The crew's decision to retract flaps during the climb likely increased the angle of attack on the wings, contributing to the stall.
- The control wheel became jammed, likely due to ice accumulation on the ailerons or the transmission mechanisms.
- Contributing factors included a lack of specific training for the crew regarding icing recognition and recovery, inadequate equipment for performing thorough pre-flight inspections on the wings, and operational pressures to maintain flight schedules despite the severe weather.