jonnyg
In the UK, the 500' rule doesn't apply to aircraft landing (or taking off) or, as BTT says, we'd all be in trouble. If Spanish law is the same, the A109 pilot didn't break the 500' rule.
You say the flying you've done in Mallorca has always been "on the 500ft rule." Even if your PPL is UK issue, I assume you know the equivalent Spanish rule. What is it?