What happened
On August 22, 2019, two pilots were conducting a proficiency training flight at Benavente Airfield in Portugal. After performing a pre-flight inspection and a series of training circuits in a TL-2000 Sting, the pilot-in-command attempted a touch-and-go maneuver.
During the approach, the aircraft maintained a stabilized speed of 110 km/h with flaps in the full position. Upon touching down firmly at the runway threshold, the aircraft momentarily became airborne before swerving left from the runway centerline. The pilot applied power in an attempt to avoid nearby obstacles, but the aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude. The aircraft continued to track toward the left edge of the runway, with the right landing gear remaining on the ground while the left wingtip made contact with the surface. The aircraft subsequently struck a barbed wire and pole fence and a nearby tree. The impact caused the fuselage and landing gear to tear into the fencing, eventually leaving the aircraft immobilized in an inverted position 190 meters from the runway threshold. Both occupants managed to exit the aircraft through the canopy, which had been damaged during the impact.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the aircraft, the flight crew, and the airfield conditions. The investigation team noted that the aircraft was a high-performance, modern ultralight constructed of fiberglass and carbon composite, which requires effective pilot control due to its advanced aerodynamic design and high wing loading. Technical assessments of the aircraft revealed no mechanical failures; while the aircraft had a history of a hard landing in 2011, all components were in good condition, and the braking system showed no faults. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's GPS and transponder were turned off during the flight, preventing the recovery of digital flight data.
Findings
- The pilot was legally authorized to fly, though recent flight experience in this specific aircraft type was limited, with only a few hours logged in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
- There was no evidence of medical impairment affecting the crew.
- The pilot's lack of control and failure to apply appropriate corrective maneuvers during the landing phase was the primary cause of the excursion.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage and was declared destroyed.
Safety action
Following the investigation, the GPIAAF issued safety recommendation PT.SIA 2019-007 to the Portuguese Ultralight Aviation Association (APAU). The recommendation urges the association to promote and encourage theoretical and practical refresher training among its members to address gaps in recurrent training. Additionally, the association is encouraged to promote the standardization of training practices among national instructors to ensure consistent safety standards for both initial and recurrent ultralight pilot training.