Runway excursion at Casas de los Pinos aerodrome

No fatalities • Casas de Los Pinos, Spain • Landing (descent or approach)

A parachuting operations aircraft veered off the runway during landing at Casas de los Pinos due to a wind gust, resulting in structural damage but no serious injuries.

What happened

During a reconnaissance flight at the Casas de los Pinos aerodrome, an aircraft used for parachute operations veered off runway 30. The incident occurred while the aircraft was in the landing phase, specifically during the flare maneuver prior to touchdown. According to the pilot, a sudden gust of wind caused the left wing to lift. In an attempt to stabilize the aircraft and maintain the centerline, the pilot applied left rudder and tilt; however, these corrections were insufficient to prevent the plane from exiting the paved surface.

The aircraft was operating without flaps at a speed of 70 knots with the aft gear locked at the time of the excursion. After leaving the runway, the aircraft came to rest 25 meters from the edge of the runway on a heading of 190°. The impact caused the aircraft to rest on its lower fuselage, leading to damage along the underside, the left aileron, and the horizontal stabilizer. Significant mechanical damage also occurred, including the bending of the right main landing gear and the complete detachment of the left landing gear, which was found 30 meters away. Additionally, the propeller separated from the reduction gearbox.

Findings

There were two occupants on board during the flight. Both the pilot and the passenger were able to evacuate the aircraft without assistance. The passenger sustained no injuries, while the pilot suffered a slight injury to the chin.

Probable cause

A sudden wind gust during the landing flare caused the left wing to lift, leading to a loss of directional control and a runway excursion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2007-04-14 Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) accident near Casas de Los Pinos, Spain?

A parachuting operations aircraft veered off the runway during landing at Casas de los Pinos due to a wind gust, resulting in structural damage but no serious injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 2007-04-14 Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2007-04-14 involved a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter), registration EC-JOE, operated by Aerobalas, at Casas de Los Pinos, Spain.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A sudden wind gust during the landing flare caused the left wing to lift, leading to a loss of directional control and a runway excursion.

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