Spanair Flight JK5022: 18th anniversary of Madrid aviation tragedy

The Association of Those Affected by Spanair Flight JK5022 is commemorating the 18th anniversary of the aviation tragedy that occurred on August 20, 2008. The accident, which took place during takeoff from Madrid-Barajas Airport en route to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, resulted in 154 deaths and 18 injuries.

Victims included individuals from various nationalities, including Spain, Germany, France, and Brazil. The investigation determined that the McDonnell Douglas MD-82 aircraft failed to achieve lift because the flaps and slats were retracted, and the warning system failed to alert the crew.

During this anniversary, the association has expressed “painful disappointment” regarding the judicial response and the handling of the case. They continue to demand truth, justice, reparation, and memory, criticizing previous technical investigations for placing sole responsibility on the flight crew rather than addressing systemic failures in civil aviation. The association also announced that its work will be succeeded by the A20 Aviation Safety Foundation to continue promoting air safety improvements.