A routine training flight at FlyBy Aviation Academy turned tragic on September 18, 2024, when a Tecnam P2008JC MkII aircraft, registered as EC-OJB, crashed in the Castile and León region of northern Spain. The accident claimed the life of a foreign student pilot and left the flight instructor critically injured.

The aircraft crashed into open terrain approximately 600 meters north of Abia de las Torres, a rural area located in Palencia. The small aircraft was on a routine training mission after departing from Burgos Airport (RGS/LEBG), where the FlyBy Aviation Academy is based. The aircraft was scheduled to return to the same airport after completing the flight.

Accident Details

Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft was in the en route phase of its training flight when the crash occurred. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the plane descend rapidly before it went nose-first into the ground. Emergency services were quickly dispatched to the crash site, where they discovered the student pilot had died on impact, while the flight instructor sustained severe injuries.

The instructor was airlifted to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition. His identity has not been released, pending further medical assessments. The identity of the deceased student has also been withheld, although it has been confirmed that the student was a foreign national enrolled in the academy.

Investigation Underway

Spanish aviation authorities, including the Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Commission (CIAIAC), have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Investigators are combing through the wreckage to retrieve flight data and review the aircraft's maintenance records. Weather conditions at the time of the crash were reportedly clear, which suggests that external factors like poor visibility or bad weather were not involved.

Preliminary findings suggest that the aircraft was flying at a routine altitude when it abruptly lost control, but it is still too early to determine whether mechanical failure, human error, or another factor caused the crash.

The Tecnam P2008JC MkII, a popular light aircraft used for training, is known for its reliability and is commonly used by aviation schools worldwide. The model involved in the crash was registered with FlyBy Aviation Academy, a well-regarded flight school based in Spain that draws students from across the globe, including the Maldives, Europe, and other regions.

Concerns for Maldivian Students

The incident has sparked concern within the Maldivian community, as a number of students from the Maldives are currently enrolled at FlyBy Aviation Academy. While it has not been confirmed if the student involved in the crash was Maldivian, the news has caused anxiety among the families of those attending the flight school. Maldivian authorities have been in contact with FlyBy Aviation Academy for further information and to ensure the safety of their nationals.

Aviation Safety and Training

The tragic accident has reignited discussions about safety in aviation training, an inherently risky endeavor. FlyBy Aviation Academy is known for adhering to strict international safety standards, but this incident highlights the dangers involved in flight training, even under routine conditions. Aviation experts are calling for a thorough review of safety protocols at flight schools to prevent future tragedies.

FlyBy Aviation Academy Response

In a statement, FlyBy Aviation Academy expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased student and vowed full cooperation with investigators. “We are devastated by this tragic accident, and our thoughts are with the student’s family and our critically injured instructor. We will do everything in our power to assist the authorities in their investigation,” the statement read.

The academy temporarily suspended all flight operations pending the outcome of the investigation, and grief counselors have been made available to students and staff affected by the incident.

The aviation community worldwide has expressed shock and sympathy following the accident. Flight schools, pilots, and instructors have offered condolences, while aviation safety advocates stress the need for constant vigilance and the highest safety standards in training environments.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in aviation training and the responsibility of flight schools to ensure the utmost care and safety for their students and staff.

As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the root cause of the crash and steps that can be taken to prevent similar accidents in the future.