Event Description
On 28 February 2002, at 17:00 local time, a Cessna 172-N (registration EC-FYU) conducting a dual instruction flight overran runway 13 at La Axarquía Aerodrome, Málaga. The aircraft had departed Málaga Airport at 16:00 for a training flight with an instructor and a student. After performing basic exercises over the bay of Torre del Mar, the flight proceeded to La Axarquía for touch-and-go exercises. Runway 13 was selected due to light and variable winds, with meteorological conditions favoring its use.
Two approaches were made, both with the aircraft high and fast, resulting in go-arounds initiated by the student with instructor support. On the third approach, the aircraft's height was more corrected, but its speed was approximately 8 knots above the reference speed of 70 knots. The instructor decided to complete the landing instead of performing another go-around, informing the student with the phrase "nos quedamos" (we stay). The landing was long, with touchdown occurring near the midpoint of the available runway, leaving about 350 meters to the end. When the aircraft had slowed and was secure on the runway, the student applied full power, believing it would be a touch-and-go. The instructor assessed the remaining runway as insufficient for a safe takeoff, aborted the maneuver, cut power, and applied brakes immediately. However, the remaining runway was insufficient to stop, and the aircraft exited the runway end, striking the aerodrome's perimeter fence. Braking effectiveness was reduced by a tailwind gust and runway contamination from mud and sand left by vehicles crossing the runway. Skid marks were observed in the last 100 meters of runway.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and spinner, and the windshield was cracked. During recovery, the right aileron was torn. The aerodrome fence was knocked over for approximately 4 meters.
Occupants
Both occupants were uninjured.
Runway Information
The runway at La Axarquía Aerodrome has a total length of 1,090 meters, with the threshold of runway 13 displaced by 387 meters due to the presence of two high-voltage power lines near the threshold.
Investigation Findings
The instructor stated that braking was longer than expected due to a tailwind gust and contamination at the end of the runway. The investigation determined that the most probable cause of the incident was a combination of a long landing and a misunderstanding between the instructor and the student regarding the intended maneuver.