What happened
On October 5, 2017, at 16:11 UTC, a Kolb Twinstar Mk IIIM, registration G-MYOO, was conducting a local proficiency training flight from a private, unauthorized airfield near Marim-Quelfes, Olhão, Portugal. The aircraft, a fixed-wing microlight, carried two pilots of British nationality. After performing two touch-and-go maneuvers on a semi-prepared runway, the pilot landed to disembark the second pilot.
Upon taking off again from runway 18, the pilot initiated a left turn to climb. While passing over the airfield, the aircraft experienced a loss of directional control and entered a stall, leading to a violent impact with a stone wall. The impact occurred with a steep nose-down attitude, causing the destruction of the aircraft's tubular fuselage and severe damage to the wing leading edges. The pilot was found trapped in the wreckage and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical services.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the wreckage and the operational context of the flight. Investigators found no evidence of structural failure or mechanical malfunction in the flight controls prior to impact. The engine, mounted behind the cockpit, appeared to be running at the time of the crash, as evidenced by damage to the composite propeller.
Furthermore, the investigation established that the flight was operating illegally. The aircraft, registered in the United Kingdom, did not have the necessary permits or documentation to fly in Portugal. Additionally, the airfield used for the flight was not authorized by the national aviation authority and did not meet safety standards. No maintenance records were found to support the validity of the aircraft's permit to fly.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a loss of control in flight.
- The pilot lacked adequate training and had very limited experience with this specific aircraft type, as well as limited overall flying experience.
- The aircraft was not equipped with a stall warning system.
- There was no evidence of any maintenance performed on the aircraft since its change of ownership in May 2014.
- The flight was not duly authorized, and the pilot was not authorized to operate in the country.
- The airfield used was unauthorized and non-compliant with safety regulations.