What happened
On January 3, 2015, at 17:15 UTC, a Tecnam P92 Echo ultralight airplane, registration CS-UPH, was conducting a local leisure flight at Valdonas Airfield in Tomar, Portugal. The flight, operated by Pias Longas Aero Clube, carried one pilot and one passenger.
During the flight, the pilot performed a vertical climb and a Hammerhead maneuver over runway 15, which left the aircraft aligned with the final approach of runway 33. During the subsequent descent, the pilot was unable to maintain control of the aircraft, leading to a ground collision approximately 9 meters from the threshold of runway 33. The impact resulted in the death of the pilot, serious injuries to the passenger, and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation established that the flight was properly authorized and the pilot was qualified, though restricted to local operations. There were no pre-existing technical issues reported with the aircraft, and the engine was producing power at the moment of impact. However, the investigation found that the aircraft was being operated exceeding its maximum takeoff mass and balance limits. Additionally, it was noted that the pilot's flight log and the aircraft's technical documents were not being maintained in a systematic manner.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a loss of control in flight due to an aerodynamic stall caused by a high load factor during the maneuver.
- The aircraft was being operated above its maximum takeoff mass.
- The pilot demonstrated excessive confidence in aircraft control, performing abrupt and unreasonable maneuvers at a low altitude.
- The loss of control occurred at a low height, leaving insufficient altitude to recover.