What happened
On February 28, 2002, a Cessna 172-N, registration EC-FYU, was conducting a dual-instruction flight near Málaga. The flight, which included an instructor and a student, initially performed basic maneuvers over the Torre de Mar bay before proceeding to La Axarquía Aerodrome to practice takeoffs and landings.
During the approach to runway 13, the crew performed two missed approaches due to excessive altitude and airspeed. On the third attempt, the aircraft was flying approximately 8 knots faster than the target speed of 70 knots. The instructor, evaluating the remaining runway, decided to proceed with a full landing rather than a go-around, communicating the decision to the student. However, during the landing roll, the student applied full power under the mistaken impression that a takeoff-and-landing maneuver was being executed. Upon realizing the remaining runway was insufficient for a safe takeoff, the instructor cut power and applied brakes. The aircraft failed to stop within the remaining distance, exiting the end of the runway and striking the aerodrome's perimeter fence.
The investigation
The investigation established that the aircraft touched down near the midpoint of the runway, leaving approximately 350 meters of runway remaining. The investigation examined the environmental and operational factors, noting that the braking distance was extended by a tailwind gust and runway contamination consisting of mud and sand left by vehicles crossing the strip. Additionally, the investigation noted that the threshold for runway 13 is displaced by 387 meters due to nearby high-voltage power lines.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was a misunderstanding between the instructor and the student regarding the intended maneuver.
- The landing roll was excessively long due to the student applying full power during the landing phase.
- Environmental factors, including a tailwind gust and runway surface contamination (mud and sand), contributed to the inability to stop the aircraft.
- The occupants of the aircraft sustained no injuries.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, propeller cone, and windshield, as well as a tear in the right aileron during recovery.