What happened
On March 24, 2016, a PIPER PA-32-300, registration EC-MJN, was performing skydiving operations at the Ontur restricted aerodrome in Albacete, Spain. During the first landing of the day, the pilot was conducting an approach to runway 13. As the aircraft was about to touch down, a sudden wind gust destabilized the plane and pushed it to the right, onto a paved strip running parallel to the main runway.
Believing there was insufficient airspeed to execute a go-around, the pilot elected to continue the landing on the paved strip. Despite applying heavy braking immediately upon main gear contact, the aircraft exceeded the end of the strip. The aircraft then crossed a small embankment separating the aerodrome from an adjacent vineyard, where the nose gear collapsed upon impact with the lower terrain. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, nose gear, and lower engine cowling.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined the meteorological conditions, the pilot's experience, and the aerodrome's layout. Investigators determined that the wind was from the west, resulting in a tailwind component for runway 13. While the average wind speed was approximately 20 km/h, gusts reached 30 km/h.
Analysis of the landing roll showed that braking tracks on the paved strip extended for approximately 300 meters. The investigation also noted that the local topography, specifically the nearby mountains, can influence flight patterns and create turbulence, often leading to shorter final approaches for runway 13.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the incorrect execution of the landing maneuver while operating with a tailwind.
- The pilot had limited experience flying this specific aircraft type (approximately 7.5 hours).
- The pilot had limited familiarity with the specific operating characteristics of the Ontur aerodrome.
- The choice of runway 13 contributed to the incident, as the wind conditions created a tailwind component.
- The aircraft's landing roll was extended by the tailwind, contributing to the excursion beyond the paved strip.