Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft involved was a Piper PA-36-285, serial number EC-CQU, manufactured in 1975. It was equipped with a single Lycoming O-540-K1G5 engine. The pilot, aged 42, held a commercial pilot license and had accumulated 2,409 total flight hours. The operation was classified as general aviation commercial aerial application.
Accident Narrative
On 14 June 2000 at 13:20 local time, the aircraft had completed an aerial treatment flight and proceeded to the temporary runway at Villafranco del Guadalquivir in the province of Seville for landing. The approach and touchdown were normal. During the subsequent landing roll, according to the pilot's statement, a gust of wind pushed the aircraft to the right. The pilot lost directional control, and the aircraft exited the runway, ultimately falling into a canal that runs adjacent and parallel to the runway.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, was uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Weather Conditions
Meteorological conditions at the time included variable wind from the east-west direction, visibility greater than 10 kilometers, no clouds, and a temperature of 25°C.
Investigation Analysis
The investigation determined that the loss of directional control was probably caused by a strong gust of wind from the right side of the aircraft, causing it to deviate to the right. The pilot was unable to regain control. Additionally, temporary runways such as the one used often have a narrower width than permanent aerodromes, and in this case, the right edge of the runway was bordered by a canal. The incident was attributed to a probable combination of two factors: the wind gust (main factor) and the narrow width of the runway (contributing factor).