Incident Overview
On July 30, 2019, at approximately 11:15 local time, a Piper PA-28 aircraft with registration EC-JVQ experienced an incident at the Requena aerodrome (LERE) in Valencia, Spain. The aircraft was operated by AIRPULL AVIATION for flight instruction purposes under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). A student pilot was aboard and remained uninjured during the event.
Operational Context
The student pilot had been conducting takeoff and landing exercises on runway 12 since 09:30. Following a landing, the pilot accelerated for another takeoff. At an altitude of approximately 100 feet, the pilot reported that the engine was failing. Consequently, the decision was made to abort the climb and attempt a landing with flaps deployed.
Accident Sequence
Upon touchdown, maximum braking was applied; however, the aircraft could not be stopped within the available runway length. The plane overran the end of the runway, struck the perimeter fence, and came to rest in an adjacent plowed field. The aircraft's longitudinal axis was perpendicular to the runway centerline upon stopping.
Damage and Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the engine failure was caused by the activation of carburetor heat while ambient temperatures were high (27°C). This condition resulted in an excessively rich fuel mixture, leading to insufficient power. The aircraft sustained minor damage to the landing gear, horizontal stabilizer, and left side of the engine cowling. Additionally, sections of the perimeter fence were damaged or destroyed by the impact.