What happened
On May 15, 2000, at approximately 21:00 local time, a CASA 1131-E (registration EC-GCE) was performing a local pleasure flight at Valencia Airport. As the pilot was completing the landing phase on runway 30, the aircraft lost control just before touchdown. The aircraft impacted the runway surface with significant force, causing it to bounce back into the air before falling a second time. Following the second impact, the aircraft entered a ground loop (trompo) on the runway surface but eventually came to a halt without departing the paved area.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the final approach and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The pilot provided testimony regarding the atmospheric conditions experienced during the landing maneuver. Investigators examined the aerodynamic effects of wind fluctuations on the aircraft's stability during the transition from flight to ground roll.
Findings
- The pilot encountered a tailwind gust during the final stage of the landing.
- This gust caused an instantaneous reduction in the aircraft's airspeed relative to the air mass.
- The sudden loss of airspeed led to a decrease in lift, resulting in a loss of altitude and a hard landing.
- The impact with the pavement caused the aircraft to bounce, at which point the pilot was unable to maintain directional control, leading to the ground loop.
- The pilot sustained no injuries.
- The aircraft sustained minor damage, specifically to the right main landing gear leg, which required assistance to clear the runway.