What happened
On May 2, 2009, at approximately 15:15 UTC, a Czech SportCruiser, registration CS-UQE, was performing local flight maneuvers at the Mirandela Aerodrome in Portugal. The flight, which included a passenger, began with a routine flight from Pista do Cerval. During an approach to runway 17, the pilot executed a maneuver that caused the aircraft to lose altitude.
As the aircraft approached the ground, the pilot applied full power in an attempt to recover, but the aircraft struck the safety zone on the right side of the runway with significant force. The impact caused the left main landing gear to separate from the airframe. Following the initial impact, the pilot performed a low pass to assess the damage. Upon learning that the gear had been lost, the pilot experienced an emotional breakdown and intended to return to a different airfield.
At this point, the passenger—a student pilot with only 26:00 hours of flight experience—took control of the aircraft. To mitigate the risk of fire from potential sparks on the asphalt, the student decided to perform an emergency landing on the left safety area of runway 35, which consisted of unpaved, sandy soil. During the approach, the student pilot failed to shut off the fuel supply. Upon touchdown, the aircraft'ed swung to the left, causing the right landing gear to also fail. The aircraft slid on its tail and nose wheel before coming to a stop. Both occupants survived the incident without injuries.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation focused on the flight techniques used during the first approach and the legality of the pilot's credentials. Investigators examined the aircraft's flight path, the mechanical failure of the landing gear, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's training background and the student pilot's decision-making process during the emergency.
Findings
- The pilot of the initial landing was not properly licensed for this aircraft type and lacked the necessary student pilot authorization.
- The pilot demonstrated deficient piloting techniques, characterized by unstable approaches and improper use of maneuvers to lose altitude.
- The primary cause of the first impact was the pilot's loss of control due to poor flight technique.
- The student pilot's decision to land on unpaved ground was a proactive measure to reduce fire risk, though the student's lack of familiarity with the Czech SportCruiser contributed to the secondary gear failure.
- Meteorological conditions were favorable and not a contributing factor to the accident.