What happened
On May 23, 2009, a privately owned BRM Land Africa ultralight aircraft, registration I-7563, departed from Aeródromo de Paramos in Espinho for a recreational VFR flight. While flying near Gafanha da Nazaré, the pilot decided to perform slow-speed flight for approximately ten minutes to observe festivities occurring at the Port of Aveiro. To maintain lift at low speeds, the pilot deployed full flaps and increased power, which resulted in a decrease in airflow through the engine.
This configuration caused cylinder head temperatures to rise to approximately 120°C. Although this temperature was below the manufacturer's maximum limit of 130°C, the pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing. The aircraft landed on a narrow strip of land within the private area of the Port of Aveiro, specifically near the N.R.P. Bérrio. The landing site was located amidst a large gathering of people and vehicles attending Navy Day celebrations, and the aircraft landed between rows of light poles.
Following the landing, the pilot was intercepted by the Maritime Police. Although the pilot initially intended to depart immediately, authorities prohibited takeoff due to the lack of an authorized landing strip, the proximity to crowds, and the fact that civil twilight had ended. After being instructed to transport the aircraft by land, the pilot later performed an unauthorized takeoff from a different area of the terminal at night to return to base.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the pilot's decision-making and the technical state of the engine. The investigation reviewed the pilot's flight profile, the environmental conditions at the port, and a technical maintenance report provided by the owner. The investigators also evaluated the regulatory requirements for ultralight operations, specifically regarding flying over crowds and the use of approved landing strips.
Findings
- The engine temperature of 120°C was within the manufacturer's allowable operating limits.
- The pilot could have corrected the temperature issue by simply increasing airspeed and reducing the angle of attack.
- The choice of landing site was inappropriate, as it was a non-prepared surface located near a high density of people and moving vehicles.
- An appropriate alternative, the military aerodrome of S. Jacinto, was available and capable of supporting the flight.
- The pilot'de decision to land was unjustified as the engine was functioning normally and no emergency existed.
- The pilot performed an unauthorized nighttime takeoff from the port area despite being instructed to remove the aircraft by land.