What happened
On August 3, 2007, at approximately 15:57 UTC, a Dromader M-18B, registration SP-ZWY, was engaged in aerial firefighting operations near Rexaldia, in the Torres Novas region of Portugal. The aircraft, operated by Aeronorte on behalf of the National Authority for Civil Protection (ANPC), was performing water drops to combat a wildfire.
After completing several successful drops, the pilot began a low-altitude pass over a plateau. While flying at an altitude described by witnesses as being equivalent to a third or fourth-story building, the pilot established radio contact with a ground-based firefighter to confirm the drop location and the operator's position. During this period of communication, the right wingtip of the aircraft struck a medium-sized pine tree.
The impact caused the aircraft to lose control. The pilot attempted to correct the flight path, but the left wingtip subsequently struck the ground. The aircraft underwent a series of violent maneuvers, causing the engine to detach and the left wing to break away. The aircraft eventually came to rest approximately 120 meters from the initial impact site, where a post-crash fire broke out, destroying the airframe. The pilot, the sole occupant, was killed in the accident.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the wreckage, the flight history, and the pilot's credentials. Investigators analyzed the impact marks on the pine tree, which indicated a slight rightward bank at the moment of collision. The examination of the debris showed that the engine was operating at high power when the propeller struck the ground, causing the propeller blades to deform.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's experience, noting he was a highly experienced commercial pilot with significant flight hours in various aircraft, including previous experience in Dromader models. The investigation also considered the visibility conditions, noting that while the sky was clear, the lack of contrast between the burnt vegetation and the trees made obstacles harder to detect.
Findings
- The aircraft was flying at an unnecessarily low altitude for the phase of flight.
- The pilot's attention was divided by radio communications with ground personnel while maneuvering at low altitude.
- The collision with the tree was the immediate cause of the loss of control.
- The aircraft's mass and center of gravity were within established limits, and no mechanical or engine failures were detected prior to the impact.