What happened
On April 1, 2001, at 11:35 local time, a Piper PA-28R Arrow II, registration EC-CZH, was performing a series of takeoffs and landings at Son Bonet Airport in the Balearic Islands. After completing two successful cycles, the pilot initiated a third landing on runway 24. During the landing roll, the aircraft began to deviate toward the left side of the runway. The aircraft continued its leftward path until it came to a stop against a protective fence surrounding a former radar installation.
There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers on board. The aircraft sustained minor damage to the nose gear and the right wing, while a metal support post of the perimeter fence was damaged by the impact.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's actions and the aircraft's configuration during the landing phase. The pilot reported that the aircraft was configured with flaps fully extended upon touchdown. During the landing roll, the pilot's attention shifted from the runway centerline to the flap lever in an attempt to retract the flaps to a 15-degree position.
During this period of distraction, the aircraft drifted left. The pilot stated that no immediate corrective steering was attempted because the speed of the aircraft was such that a sudden correction might have induced a ground loop or aircraft overturn. The pilot managed to bring the aircraft to a halt near the fence as the speed decreased.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was pilot distraction caused by the pilot's focus on adjusting the flap lever instead of maintaining directional control on the runway.
- The aircraft's deviation was exacerbated by the pilot's decision not to attempt a correction to avoid a potential ground loop.
- Weather conditions at the time were favorable, with good visibility, clear skies, and light winds of 4 knots.