3 fatalities

Right Engine Failure Leads to Crash near Seville Airport; Three Occupants Killed (EC-GYD)

Seville-San Pablo, SpainTakeoff (climb)

On September 1, 2004, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration EC-GYD) operated by Herme Ortiz was involved in an aviation accident near Seville-San Pablo, Spain during takeoff. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right engine shortly after rotation. Due to the degree of destruction, it was not possible to determine the exact cause of the failure that occurred at a critical stage of flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the Spanish Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Commission (CIAIAC)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft suffered a right engine failure shortly after takeoff from Seville-San Pablo Airport, rolled right and crashed 1,500 meters from the runway, resulting in a post-crash fire. The aircraft was destroyed and all three occupants were killed.

Accident

Shortly after takeoff from Seville-San Pablo Airport runway 27, a twin-engine aircraft experienced a failure of its right engine during the initial climb. The aircraft subsequently rolled to the right, lost altitude, and crashed approximately 1,500 meters from the end of the runway. Upon impact, the aircraft burst into flames. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact forces and the ensuing post-crash fire. All three occupants on board were killed.

Investigation

Investigators examined the wreckage to determine the circumstances of the accident. However, due to the extensive destruction of the aircraft, it was not possible to identify the precise cause of the engine failure that occurred at a critical phase of flight.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was the failure of the right engine shortly after rotation. The exact reason for the failure could not be established because of the degree of destruction.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Sept 2004 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Seville-San Pablo, Spain?

A twin-engine aircraft suffered a right engine failure shortly after takeoff from Seville-San Pablo Airport, rolled right and crashed 1,500 meters from the runway, resulting in a post-crash fire. The aircraft was destroyed and all three occupants were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Sept 2004 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Sept 2004 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration EC-GYD, operated by Herme Ortiz, at Seville-San Pablo, Spain.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the right engine shortly after rotation. Due to the degree of destruction, it was not possible to determine the exact cause of the failure that occurred at a critical stage of flight.