What happened
On January 5, 2013, at approximately 17:30 UTC, an Aerotechnik EV-97 Eurostar, registration CS-UOH, was involved in a fatal accident at the Lameira airfield in Alter do Chão, Portugal. The pilot, who had been at the local estate for the afternoon, took off from runway 13 with the intention of returning to Spain.
Following takeoff, the pilot executed a 270-degree left turn and proceeded to perform a high-speed, low-altitude pass near a hunting lodge located close to the runway threshold. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck a tree, leading to a loss of control. The impact forces and a subsequent post-impact fire resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and the death of the pilot.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the aircraft's condition, the pilot's performance, and environmental factors. Investigators found no evidence of mechanical failure or engine malfunction; damage to the propeller blades indicated the engine was producing significant power at the moment of impact. Toxicological tests for drugs and alcohol were negative, and the pilot was found to be properly licensed and qualified for the flight.
Environmental analysis using solar position tools indicated that the sun was at an elevation of approximately 8 degrees with a bearing of 232 degrees at the time of the accident. This positioning suggested the possibility of solar glare affecting the pilot's vision during the low-level maneuver.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was pilot misjudgment and the use of inappropriate technique while performing a high-speed, low-altitude circuit near the runway.
- A lack of adequate flight planning for operating in a complex environment contributed to the accident.
- The possibility of pilot eye glare due to the sun's position cannot be ruled out.
- The aircraft's flight permit had expired at the time of the occurrence.
- The accident was non-survivable due to the high deceleration forces and the intensity of the post-impact fire.