What happened
On September 12, 2013, at 15:50 local time, a VANS RV 7A, registration EC-XBL, was performing a private flight from the Ocaña aerodrome in Toledo, Spain, destined for Matilla de los Caños. During the takeoff roll on runway 29, the aircraft encountered an obstacle on the asphalt surface. A glider was positioned approximately 300 meters from the runway threshold, with its cockpit and right wing encroaching significantly onto the paved runway area.
As the aircraft approached the glider, the pilot performed an abrupt maneuver, pulling back on the control column to lift the aircraft into the air and banking to the right to avoid contact with the stationary glider. While the initial climb rate was momentarily degraded due to the aggressive maneuver, the aircraft eventually established a normal rate of climb and continued the flight without further incident. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, and no damage was sustained by either aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's statements, witness accounts, and the technical specifications of the aircraft. It was established that the pilot was aware of the glider's position during the taxi phase, having already maneuvered to the left to avoid the obstacle while taxiing toward the runway threshold. Radio communications at the time indicated that no other traffic was reported and that the pilot could proceed at their discretion.
Investigators noted that while the aircraft's nominal takeoff distance is 230 meters, the distance remaining before reaching the glider was insufficient to allow for a safe aborted takeoff. Furthermore, the investigation considered the availability of the adjacent compacted earth runway, which was specifically designated for use when the asphalt runway is occupied by gliders.
Findings
- The pilot made the unwise decision to attempt a takeoff on a runway that was partially obstructed by another aircraft.
- The presence of the glider on the runway threshold significantly reduced the available runway length, leaving insufficient margin to safely abort the takeoff if required.
- The necessity of performing an abrupt climb and a right-hand turn at the critical moment of rotation degraded the aircraft's initial climb performance.
- The pilot's desire to avoid using the alternative earth runway or enduring a delay contributed to the unsafe operation.