Ultralight Aircraft Strikes Ground During Approach at Óbidos

Casualties unknown • Óbidos, PT

A RANS S-6XL ultralight aircraft struck the ground before the runway during an approach at Óbidos, resulting in minor injuries to the crew.

What happened

During the first half of February 2005, a RANS S-6XL ultralight, registration CS-ULP, was performing an approach to a private airstrip at the Óbidos Aerodrome. While maneuvering for landing, the aircraft entered a stall during the turn to final approach, causing it to strike the ground before reaching the runway.

The aircraft was occupied by a pilot and one passenger. Both individuals sustained minor injuries. The impact caused damage to the aircraft's landing gear and the propeller, including the destruction of one propeller blade.

The investigation

The GPIAAF investigation was significantly hindered by a lack of cooperation from the pilot, who was also the owner of the aircraft. Although the investigator and the Director of the GPIAAF contacted the pilot and provided the necessary documentation to report the incident, the pilot failed to return the required documents to the agency. Furthermore, the pilot removed the aircraft from the site without authorization from the GPIAAF. Due to this lack of available factual data and the unavailability of the pilot for research, the commission was unable to perform a detailed technical analysis or conduct field research at the impact site.

Findings

  • The pilot held a valid ultralight pilot license issued in 2003.
  • The aircraft, a 2002 RANS S-6XL equipped with a Rotax 582 engine, had valid documentation.
  • The aircraft entered a stall during the turn to final approach, leading to the ground impact.

Probable cause

The exact cause could not be definitively determined due to the lack of factual data and non-cooperation from the pilot; however, preliminary information indicates the aircraft entered a stall during the turn to final approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the null Rans S-6XL accident near Óbidos, PT?

A RANS S-6XL ultralight aircraft struck the ground before the runway during an approach at Óbidos, resulting in minor injuries to the crew.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on null involved a Rans S-6XL, registration CS-ULP, at Óbidos, PT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact cause could not be definitively determined due to the lack of factual data and non-cooperation from the pilot; however, preliminary information indicates the aircraft entered a stall during the turn to final approach.

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