Engine failure and crash of twin-engine aircraft near Chinchilla

No fatalities • Albacete-Los Llanos AFB, Spain • Landing (descent or approach)

A private flight from Biscarosse to Alicante ended in a crash near Chinchilla following an engine failure and low fuel situation.

What happened

A private flight departed from Biscarosse Airport in Landes at 16:29 local time, bound for Alicante. The aircraft, a twin engine plane, was operated with one pilot and five passengers on board.

During the descent toward Alicante at 18:40 local time, the pilot notified air traffic control regarding a shortage of fuel. In response to instructions from ATC, the flight path was altered to divert to Albacete-Los Llanos AFB, where the pilot began an approach to runway 09.

While positioned 8 nautical miles from the airfield at an altitude of 3,000 feet, the pilot declared an emergency due to an engine failure. Approximately two minutes after the emergency declaration, the aircraft impacted the ground near Chinchilla, located roughly 10 km southeast of the airfield. Although the aircraft was destroyed, all six occupants were successfully rescued from the wreckage.

Probable cause

The aircraft crashed following an engine failure during an emergency diversion necessitated by low fuel.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-07-04 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Albacete-Los Llanos AFB, Spain?

A private flight from Biscarosse to Alicante ended in a crash near Chinchilla following an engine failure and low fuel situation.

Were there any fatalities in the 2004-07-04 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-07-04 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration EC-CTG, operated by Aérea - Escuela de Pilotos, at Albacete-Los Llanos AFB, Spain.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft crashed following an engine failure during an emergency diversion necessitated by low fuel.

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