Investigation Summary
The investigation focused on the vulnerability of the Swearingen SA226/227 series to lightning-induced electrical failures. The aircraft, EC-GDV, was not equipped with a Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) or Flight Data Recorder (FDR), as regulations at the time did not require them for this aircraft class. This lack of data forced investigators to rely on radar evidence and historical precedents. Radar data showed the aircraft deviating from its path to avoid a storm cell before the signal abruptly ceased. The CIAIAC noted two similar historical incidents involving the Metroliner/Merlin family: a 1988 Nürnberger Flugdienst crash where a lightning strike caused a total electrical failure and subsequent mid-air breakup, and a 1991 incident where a crew successfully recovered from a similar failure. In the case of Flight 101, the combination of night-like storm conditions, severe turbulence, and the loss of all electrically powered flight instruments likely made recovery impossible for the crew.
Final Conclusions
The CIAIAC concluded in report A-055/2001 that the probable cause was a total loss of electrical supply caused by a lightning strike while flying through a storm. The investigation stated that the crew was unable to restore power, and the failure likely affected multiple aircraft systems. These circumstances, compounded by heavy rain, turbulence, and a lack of external visual references, led to the aircraft impacting the sea at a steep pitch angle.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Electrical System
A suspected lightning strike caused a total failure of the electrical supply, disabling navigation, lighting, and flight instruments.
Elevator Trim
Investigators noted that a loss of electrical power would render the elevator trim inoperable, significantly increasing the difficulty of manual flight control.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was 25 years old at the time of the accident, having been manufactured in 1976.
- 02The flight was a non-scheduled charter carrying eight passengers and two crew members.
- 03The aircraft was not equipped with a CVR or FDR, which was legal under existing regulations at the time.
- 04The wreckage was located approximately 60 kilometers away from Castellon.
- 05The eight passengers were Algerian-French nationals returning to Algeria for holiday; however, some sources like BAAA incorrectly identified them as American businessmen.
- 06The aircraft's manufacturer serial number (MSN) was AT-043.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Electrical System Vulnerability Review
Source ↗The CIAIAC recommended that the FAA and EASA review the certification of the SA226/227 series electrical systems to ensure they are sufficiently protected against lightning strikes, following multiple incidents of total electrical failure in this aircraft type.