2 fatalities

Night Cargo Flight from Madrid to Palma Ends in Fatal Crash (EC-GKR)

Palma de Mallorca-Son Sant Juan, SpainLanding (descent or approach)

On April 12, 2002, a Swearingen SA227 Metro III (registration EC-GKR) operated by Tadair was involved in an aviation accident near Palma de Mallorca-Son Sant Juan, Spain during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident is considered to have occurred as a result of the aircraft performing a very close turn maneuver performed at night, at low altitude and descending in a non-standard approach, not in accordance with normal procedures and company procedures. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine cargo aircraft crashed during a night approach to Palma de Mallorca after stalling on a non-standard turn. The aircraft was destroyed, and both pilots were killed.

Incident Overview and Flight Details A twin-engine aircraft departed Madrid-Barajas Airport at 0338 local time on a cargo flight bound for Palma de Mallorca. The aircraft was carrying two pilots and a cargo load of 1,340 kilograms consisting of various goods. No specific aircraft type or registration was provided in the source material. ## Approach and Crash Sequence During a night approach to runway 24L at Palma Airport, the crew executed a final turn. The aircraft subsequently stalled and struck the runway surface. After impact, the aircraft became uncontrollable, veered to the right, and collided with a lightning system. It ultimately came to rest upside down in a grassy area. The aircraft was destroyed, and both pilots were killed. ## Official Findings The official investigation concluded that the accident resulted from a very close turn maneuver performed at night, at low altitude, and while descending during a non-standard approach. The maneuver was not in accordance with normal procedures or company procedures. The crew was unable to control the descending aircraft due to a possible start of loss of lift, a slip on the turn, or both.

Probable cause

The accident is considered to have occurred as a result of the aircraft performing a very close turn maneuver performed at night, at low altitude and descending in a non-standard approach, not in accordance with normal procedures and company procedures. The crew could not control the descending aircraft due to a possible start of loss of lift, slip on the turn, or both.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Apr 2002 Swearingen SA227 Metro III accident near Palma de Mallorca-Son Sant Juan, Spain?

A twin-engine cargo aircraft crashed during a night approach to Palma de Mallorca after stalling on a non-standard turn. The aircraft was destroyed, and both pilots were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Apr 2002 Swearingen SA227 Metro III accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Apr 2002 involved a Swearingen SA227 Metro III, registration EC-GKR, operated by Tadair, at Palma de Mallorca-Son Sant Juan, Spain.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident is considered to have occurred as a result of the aircraft performing a very close turn maneuver performed at night, at low altitude and descending in a non-standard approach, not in accordance with normal procedures and company procedures. The crew could not control the descending aircraft due to a…