What happened
A cargo flight, operating as a training mission for the crew, was conducting a simulated single-engine approach into Barcelona Airport. The flight was intended to serve as a refresher for the co-pilot. During the descent toward runway 25, the crew decided to shut down the right engine to practice procedures. Following the shutdown and feathering of the propeller, the aircraft experienced a significant deviation to the right after the co-pilot applied incorrect rudder input.
The captain attempted to restart the engine, but the procedure failed because a seized guide rod bushing prevented the propeller pitch mechanism from reaching the required position for a successful start. Despite this failure, the crew continued the approach with the right engine inoperative. As the aircraft descended, the crew began adjusting the flaps and landing gear. During this phase, a stall warning activated.
The Boeing 737 (implied by context of flight type/procedure) entered an unstable flight path, characterized by severe oscillations and rolls of nearly 90 degrees. The aircraft lost altitude rapidly, with the left wing striking the ground. The wreckage subsequently impacted the B-203 highway barrier and the airport perimeter fence before catching fire. The accident occurred approximately 250 meters from the runway threshold, resulting in zero survivors and no mention of other injuries among the crew.
Findings
Investigation into the sequence of events revealed that the aircraft's loss of control was triggered by an excessive reduction in airspeed at a low altitude. This instability occurred while the aircraft was configured with the landing gear extended, flaps at an intermediate position, and the right engine shut down with the propeller pitch near the feathered position.