What happened
On July 11, 2007, an Aeroprakt A2/22, registration 60-NH, was performing a recreational flight from Santa Cruz to Vilar da Luz (Maia), Portugal, as part of a group of seven ultralight aircraft. The pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft.
During the approach to runway 34, the pilot was flying with a crab angle to compensate for a crosswind blowing from the north/northeast. As the aircraft reached a low speed near the second taxiway intersection, the pilot decided to abort the landing and applied maximum power. This sudden application of power, combined with the existing wind conditions, caused the aircraft to lose control. The right wing dipped and struck the ground, leaving a 4.5-meter track. The aircraft then swerved left, striking the ground with the left wing and the nose almost simultaneously. The aircraft rotated 270 degrees before coming to rest on the taxiway. The impact resulted in one serious injury to the pilot, who suffered a fractured vertebra.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the aircraft's technical condition, the pilot's experience, and the meteorological environment. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's documentation and insurance were valid. While maintenance records for the airframe and engine were not available for review, investigators found no evidence of mechanical failure contributing to the accident. The weather conditions were found to be within safe operating parameters, with visibility being good and the crosswind component remaining below the manufacturer's 15-knot limit.
Findings
- The pilot had significant experience in ultralight aircraft but had only approximately 22 hours of flight time in this specific, more powerful model.
- The sudden application of full power at low airspeed induced a torque effect and a reaction to the wind that the pilot failed to compensate for.
- The pilot's attempt to increase the angle of attack to climb, combined with the low airspeed, caused the aircraft to enter a stall.
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of control resulting from improper piloting technique during an aborted landing.