What happened
On December 15, 2010, a Tecnam P-96 Golf, registration CS-UOO, departed from Cascais Municipal Aerodrome (LPCS) for a recreational flight. The flight plan involved flying north toward the Tojeira Airfield (Fontanelas) for a touch-and-go maneuver, with a return leg via Ericeira and Cabo da Roca.
While cruising at approximately 1,500 feet, the aircraft experienced a total engine failure. At 15:22 UTC, the pilot transmitted a Mayday call to Sintra Approach, stating that the engine had stopped and that reaching the Tojeira runway would be impossible. Following this distress call, the pilot requested time to confirm his exact position but was unable to re-establish radio contact.
Witnesses on the ground observed the aircraft approaching Aguda Beach from the sea. The aircraft performed a three-point landing on the sand near the center of the beach. While the aircraft initially maintained flight for a few meters, it drifted toward the right to avoid rocks and subsequently entered the ocean. The impact with the water caused the aircraft to capsize and float near the surf line.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition, the flight path, and the environmental factors. Investigators analyzed the engine, specifically focusing on the crankshaft, and reviewed the maintenance history of the Rotax 912ULS engine. The investigation also evaluated the pilot's decision-making process regarding the choice of an emergency landing site and the aircraft's glide performance under the prevailing wind conditions.
Findings
- The aircraft's engine suffered a total failure in flight.
- The pilot attempted an emergency landing on the beach, which provided a flat, obstacle-free surface, though the limited width of the beach area contributed to the aircraft's drift into the sea.
- The aircraft was operating at a takeoff mass of 456kg, which was slightly above the legal limit of 450kg for its ultralight category.
- The passenger sustained fatal injuries, while the pilot suffered serious injuries and was evacuated by helicopter.
- The aircraft was destroyed due to the impact with the sand and waves, as well as the damage sustained during recovery efforts.