What happened
On August 30, 2008, at approximately 11:00 UTC, an ATEC 212 SOLO ultralight, registration CS-UOP, was performing a takeoff roll from runway 28 at the Benavente Aerodrome. The pilot intended to fly to Santa Cruz. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft suddenly veered to the left and exited the runway. The aircraft came to a stop after the propeller and the main landing gear struck irregularities in the terrain adjacent to the runway.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the aircraft's technical characteristics, the meteorological conditions, and the pilot's actions. The investigation noted that the ATEC 212 SOLO is an extremely light aircraft with a maximum takeoff mass of only 280 kg. Its conventional landing gear configuration makes it highly sensitive to crosswinds. Furthermore, the installation of a 80HP Rotax engine creates significant torque effects that induce a leftward yaw tendency.
The investigation found that the pilot had applied power too rapidly at the start of the takeoff roll. While the pilot estimated the wind to be between 8 and 10 knots, the manufacturer's flight manual limits takeoff and landing in crosswinds to 3 m/s (approximately 5.8 knots). The investigation concluded that the crosswind was likely above this established limit.
Findings
- The aircraft veered off the runway due to a loss of control during the takeoff roll.
- The aircraft's conventional gear and the engine torque from the 80HP motor created a strong tendency to yaw to the left.
- The application of rapid power during the takeoff roll exacerbated the directional instability.
- The crosswind component was likely in excess of the manufacturer's specified limit of 5.8 knots.
- An accumulation of earth, left over from runway construction, acted as an obstacle that caused significant damage to the propeller, the main landing gear, and the tailwheel assembly upon exiting the runway.