What happened
On July 30, 2019, at approximately 11:15 local time, a student pilot was conducting takeoff and landing practice at the Requena Aerodrome (LERE) in Valencia, Spain. The flight was being operated by AIRPULL AVIATION in a PIPER PA-28, registration EC-JVQ.
After completing a landing, the pilot accelerated for a subsequent takeoff on runway 12. Upon reaching an altitude of approximately 100 feet, the pilot noticed the engine was failing. Following established procedures, the pilot decided to abort the climb and perform a landing. During the approach, the flaps were deployed.
Upon touchdown, the pilot applied maximum braking; however, the aircraft could not be stopped within the remaining runway length. The aircraft exited the end of the runway, struck the aerodrome's perimeter fence, and came to rest in a plowed field. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, exited the aircraft uninjured.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation focused on two primary questions: the cause of the engine power loss and the reason the aircraft failed to stop on the runway.
Technical examination of the engine revealed that the carburetor heat lever was in the ON position. Given the high ambient temperature of 27°C, the use of carburetor heat caused the incoming air to become less dense, resulting in an excessively rich fuel mixture. This led to insufficient engine power during the climb. Inspection of the spark plugs showed evidence of carbon buildup, further confirming the rich mixture condition.
Regarding the runway excursion, investigators found that the pilot attempted to land straight ahead, believing there was sufficient runway remaining. The investigation concluded that the pilot failed to correctly evaluate the remaining runway distance in relation to the aircraft's landing speed, a factor attributed to the pilot's lack of experience.
Findings
- The engine failure was caused by the incorrect use of carburetor heat during high ambient temperatures, which created an excessively rich mixture and a loss of power.
- The pilot did not have sufficient remaining runway to complete a safe landing after the engine power loss.
- The aircraft sustained minor damage to the landing gear, wing, and engine cowling, while the aerodrome fence sustained damage to several posts and wire.