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Piper Seneca PA-34 Nose Gear Failure at Son Bonet Aerodrome (EC-FMX)

Aeródromo de Son Bonet (Illes Balears), ES

On August 2, 2003, a Piper PA-34 Seneca (registration EC-FMX) was involved in an aviation accident near Aeródromo de Son Bonet (Illes Balears), ES. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by the fracture of the nose gear bed, likely due to hydrogen embrittlement resulting from high hydrogen absorption during the welding process of tube A to the bed. This summary draws on records from the Spanish Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Commission (CIAIAC).

Sourcesthe Spanish Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Commission (CIAIAC)Primary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

On August 2, 2003, a Piper Seneca PA-34 (EC-FMX) suffered a nose gear failure while taxiing at Son Bonet Aerodrome. The incident resulted in minor damage to the aircraft and no injuries to the four occupants.

Incident Overview and Flight Details On Saturday, August 2, 2003, at 19:48 local time, a Piper Seneca PA-34, registration EC-FMX, operated by Aerotec, S.L., experienced a mechanical failure at the Son Bonet Aerodrome in Palma de Mallorca. The aircraft was engaged in a general aviation instruction flight with dual command, carrying an instructor and three students. The flight originated from Cuatro Vientos Airport, departing runway 28 at 15:24 UTC, and lasted approximately two hours and 25 minutes. Upon arrival at Son Bonet, the aircraft joined the traffic circuit for an approach to runway 24. The landing was described as hard. During the subsequent taxi to the area of hangar 2, the nose gear collapsed while braking, causing the propellers to strike the ground. All four occupants evacuated the aircraft under their own power. An inspection following the incident revealed a fracture in the nose gear support structure, known as the nose gear bed.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the fracture of the nose gear bed, likely due to hydrogen embrittlement resulting from high hydrogen absorption during the welding process of tube A to the bed.
Structural failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Aug 2003 Piper PA-34 Seneca accident near Aeródromo de Son Bonet (Illes Balears), ES?

On August 2, 2003, a Piper Seneca PA-34 (EC-FMX) suffered a nose gear failure while taxiing at Son Bonet Aerodrome. The incident resulted in minor damage to the aircraft and no injuries to the four occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Aug 2003 Piper PA-34 Seneca accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Aug 2003 involved a Piper PA-34 Seneca, registration EC-FMX, at Aeródromo de Son Bonet (Illes Balears), ES.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the fracture of the nose gear bed, likely due to hydrogen embrittlement resulting from high hydrogen absorption during the welding process of tube A to the bed.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the Spanish Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Commission (CIAIAC). Original record: https://www.transportes.gob.es/recursos_mfom/2003_040_in.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Comision de Investigacion de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviacion Civil (CIAIAC), Spain - Ministerio de Transportes y Movilidad Sostenible.