Piper Cherokee 140 crashes during engine failure simulation at Portimão

Casualties unknown • Portimão, PT

A Piper PA-28 crashed into vegetation at Portimão Aerodrome after the pilot attempted an unauthorized engine failure demonstration with passengers on board.

What happened

On May 15, 1999, at approximately 12:15 UTC, a Piper PA-28 Cherokee 140, registration CS-DBG, was conducting a local flight at Portimão Aerodrome with three occupants on board. During the flight, the pilot decided to demonstrate an engine failure landing procedure to the two passengers. While positioned in a tailwind component for a touchdown, the pilot reduced engine power to idle at an altitude of approximately 650 feet and a speed of 80 knots to simulate a glide approach.

As the aircraft transitioned to the base leg, strong crosswinds caused the aircraft to overshoot the final approach centerline for runway 29. Unable to correct the flight path due to the lack of power and altitude, the pilot applied full power in an attempt to execute a go-around. However, the aircraft failed to regain sufficient altitude or airspeed, resulting in a collision with a hedge of quince and pomegranate bushes. The impact caused the wings to be torn from the fuselage, and the aircraft subsequently overturned, coming to rest in an inverted position.

The investigation

The GPIAAF investigation examined the flight history, aircraft condition, and the pilot's actions. Investigators analyzed the aircraft's impact with the vegetation and the sequence of maneuvers leading to the loss of control. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's qualifications and the meteorological conditions at the time, which included clear skies, visibility over 10 kilometers, and winds of 330 degrees at 14 to 16 knots with some turbulence.

Findings

  • The pilot attempted an unauthorized engine failure simulation with passengers on board, a practice prohibited under ICAO Annex 2.
  • The aircraft overshot the final approach axis due to the lack of engine power and the influence of crosswinds during the simulated glide.
  • The impact with the bushes was severe enough to detach the wings from the fuselage and cause the aircraft to capsize.
  • The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the two passengers remained uninjured.
  • The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including the destruction of the propeller and significant structural damage to the fuselage.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot performing a dangerous and unauthorized simulated emergency maneuver with passengers on board, which led to an uncontrolled overshoot of the approach centerline and subsequent impact with vegetation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-05-15 Piper PA-28  Cherokee 140 accident near Portimão, PT?

A Piper PA-28 crashed into vegetation at Portimão Aerodrome after the pilot attempted an unauthorized engine failure demonstration with passengers on board.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-05-15 involved a Piper PA-28  Cherokee 140, registration CS-DBG, at Portimão, PT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot performing a dangerous and unauthorized simulated emergency maneuver with passengers on board, which led to an uncontrolled overshoot of the approach centerline and subsequent impact with vegetation.

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