What happened
On June 9, 2019, at 15:56 UTC, a private Bristell UL, registered CS-USX, was performing an aerobatic maneuver near Gândara dos Olivais, Leiria, Portugal. During the execution of the maneuver, the pilot experienced a loss of control in flight (LOC-I), resulting in the aircraft impacting the ground.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation focused on the aircraft's aerodynamic characteristics, the pilot's control inputs, and the aircraft's weight and balance configuration. The investigators examined the wreckage, the engine (a Rotax 912 ULS), and the fuel system. The analysis also considered the aircraft's center of gravity and the impact of the specific flight dynamics during the aerobatic sequence.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of control during an aerobatic maneuver.
- The aircraft's configuration and the specific flight dynamics during the maneuver contributed to the loss of control.
- The investigation noted that the pilot's actions involved unsafe flight attitudes, which the report categorized as a form of exhibitionism.
- The investigation highlighted the importance of pilots fully understanding the operational limits of their aircraft and their own personal limitations.