Incident Overview
On 1 June 2008, a Piper PA-28-180D aircraft, registration CS-AII, operated by Aero Clube de Coimbra, was conducting a local introductory flight from the Aeródromo Municipal da Covilhã. The flight was the second of the day and the first initiation flight for the passengers. At approximately 14:10 UTC, the aircraft took off from runway 24 with the pilot and three passengers on board.
Sequence of Events
During the initial climb, at about 400 feet above ground level (AGL), the engine exhibited a sudden loss of power. The pilot checked the instrument panel and observed that engine pressure, temperature, and fuel pressure indications were within normal parameters. Immediately, the pilot turned 180 degrees with the intention of landing on runway 06 and informed the traffic regulator of the emergency, requesting coordination. However, another aircraft had already begun its takeoff roll, preventing the intended landing. The pilot then extended the flight to attempt a landing on runway 24.
Without engine power, the aircraft continued to lose altitude. Unable to execute a standard circuit with a base leg at a safe altitude, the pilot approached the runway at an oblique angle and very low speed. Near the threshold of runway 24, the aircraft stalled, with the right wing dropping. It descended almost vertically onto the ground beside the runway, contacting first on the right main landing gear leg, then on the left. The aircraft bounced, touched the ground again at the beginning of the asphalt, entered the runway in a sideways skid, and then rolled along the runway with the engine at low power. It subsequently taxied to the parking area. The landing was performed with flaps up.
Personnel and Aircraft Information
The pilot, aged 61, held a valid Private Pilot Licence (A) with a Single-Engine Piston (SEP) qualification and a valid Class II medical certificate with a restriction for visual corrective lenses. Total flight experience was approximately 250 hours. The aircraft was a 1967 Piper PA-18-180D, powered by a Lycoming O-360-A4A engine and a Sensenich propeller. It had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and was maintained in accordance with regulations.
Meteorological and Aerodrome Information
Weather at the time was calm wind, scattered clouds, visibility greater than 10 km, and QNH 1020 hPa. The aerodrome has two runways: an inactive gravel runway (16/34) and an active asphalt runway (06/24) with a length of 960 meters, width 23 meters, and a 1.5% slope.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries were sustained by the pilot or the three passengers. The aircraft sustained no damage, and there was no damage to third parties.
Investigation
The investigation was conducted by the Gabinete de Prevenção e Investigação de Acidentes com Aeronaves (GPIAA). The incident was reported to GPIAA on 9 June 2008.
Probable Cause
The cause of the incident was the loss of engine power during the initial climb. The reason for the power loss could not be determined.