Incident Summary
On an unspecified date, an aircraft operated by a parachuting organization ran off runway 30 at the Casas de los Pinos aerodrome while landing. The aircraft was completing a reconnaissance flight in preparation for scheduled parachuting operations.
Flight Details
According to the pilot's statement, during the flare before touchdown, a gust of wind lifted the left wing. The pilot applied left rudder and tilt in an attempt to level the aircraft but was unable to prevent it from departing the runway. The approach was conducted without flaps at a speed of 70 knots with the aft landing gear locked.
Damage and Final Position
The aircraft came to rest 25 meters from the edge of the runway on a heading of 190°, resting on its lower fuselage. Damage was sustained to the underside of the fuselage, the left aileron, and the horizontal stabilizer. The right main landing gear was bent outward, the left main landing gear had detached and was found 30 meters from the aircraft, and the propeller had separated at the reduction gearbox and was located next to the aft landing gear to the left of the aircraft.
Occupants and Injuries
Both occupants were able to exit the aircraft under their own power. The pilot sustained a slight injury to his chin, and the passenger was unhurt.
Official Findings
The probable cause, as stated in the official investigation, notes that it is not known why aircraft EC-JOE left runway 30 during landing, though it appears the aircraft's path was altered while flying at low altitude. The investigation ruled out a technical problem with the aircraft. It could not be confirmed whether wind was gusting at the aerodrome at the time of the accident, but it was noted that even gusty conditions should not have affected control because the aircraft's airspeed was sufficiently high relative to the stall speed.