What happened
On September 26, 2010, a private Cirrus SR22 GTS, registration EC-JXL, departed Granada for Melilla. The aircraft was carrying four occupants, including the pilot and a more experienced pilot acting as a passenger in the right seat.
As the aircraft entered the final approach for runway 33, the crew reported a stabilized approach with good visibility. Air traffic control had reported a headwind of approximately 8 to 10 knots with a slight left component. Upon reaching the threshold, the pilot initiated the flare and made initial contact with the runway. Following this first touchdown, the aircraft lifted slightly off the ground. Following instructions from the more experienced occupant, the pilot began a "power and go" maneuver. However, the pilot then reduced engine power to attempt a second landing, believing there was sufficient runway remaining.
During this second attempt, the aircraft touched the ground again and became unstable. The experienced occupant attempted to take control of the aircraft but was unsuccessful. The Cirrus SR22 GTS subsequently struck the ground and veered off the right side of the runway, coming to a stop near the right edge of the runway lights, approximately 620 meters from the threshold. All 4 occupants were uninjured and evacuated the aircraft independently.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight path, meteorological conditions, and crew coordination. Investigators reviewed METAR reports, which confirmed that the wind conditions reported by air traffic control were accurate, consisting of a headwind with a slight left component. The investigation also reviewed the flight crew's experience levels, noting that the pilot in command held a PPL(A) with 161 total flight hours, while the accompanying pilot held a CPL(A) with 970 total flight hours.
Findings
- The pilot did not sufficiently account for the left wind component during the final stages of the approach.
- The initial lift-off after the first touchdown was caused by excessive airspeed and an improper flare maneuver.
- A lack of coordination between the two occupants contributed to the sequence of events.
- The aircraft suffered damage to the right landing gear leg, the nose gear, the propeller, and the right wing flap.