Introduction
On 14 July 2023, at approximately 18:58 local time, a serious incident occurred involving an AEE MXP-155 Tayrona ultralight aircraft, registration YU-A010, operated by an individual (Физичко лице). The event took place in the city of Pančevo, Serbia. The flight was categorized as school circuits (школски кругови). No persons were on board besides the pilot, and no injuries were reported. The aircraft damage included tearing of part of the wing structure near the strut, bending of the strut and auxiliary struts, and distortion of the upper wing skin above the impact zone.
Flight History
According to the sequence of events, the pilot performed pre-flight preparation and a brief aircraft check, finding no abnormalities. After takeoff from Pančevo Airport in direction 130°, the pilot continued in a gentle right turn. After approximately a 180° turn to heading 310° at about 300 feet above ground, the pilot turned towards the direction of the setting sun. The pilot reduced the climb angle and then added power to transition into a climb. At that moment, about 2.5 km from the airport, the aircraft struck an object with its right side. After establishing a climb, the pilot noticed damage to the right wing strut—a rearward bend. The pilot then directed the aircraft back to the airport and landed without further problems or injury.
Injuries and Damage
There were no injuries to the pilot or other persons. The aircraft sustained damage to the right wing: tearing of the wing structure adjacent to the strut, bending of the strut and auxiliary struts, and distortion of the upper wing skin above the impact zone. No third-party injuries occurred, but minor damage was reported to an antenna belonging to RTV Pančevo, located on the tallest building in the city center.
Weather Conditions
The weather at the time was reported by the pilot as visibility around 6 km and air temperature approximately 33°C. Official meteorological data from the nearby Batajnica airport at 18:55 LT indicated wind from 060° at about 3 knots, CAVOK conditions (clear skies, visibility >10 km), temperature 28°C, dew point 18°C, and pressure 1017 mbar.
Conclusion
The incident occurred during a training flight in the traffic pattern. The aircraft struck an object (identified as a TV antenna) with the right wing, causing structural damage. The pilot successfully returned and landed safely. No probable cause was determined in the fact-sheet provided.