What happened
On August 22, 2019, two pilots were conducting a proficiency training flight at Benavente Airfield. After a period of flight involving several circuits, the second pilot, acting as pilot-in-command, attempted a touch-and-go maneuver. The TL-2000 Sting, registration CS-UQB, approached the runway at approximately 110 km/h with flaps in the full position.
Upon touching down firmly near the runway threshold, the aircraft briefly left the ground and swerved toward the left side of the runway. In an attempt to avoid hitting the perimeter fence and nearby trees, the pilot applied power; however, the aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude. The aircraft continued to bank heavily, with the right wingtip making contact with the ground. The aircraft then collided with a barbed-wire and pole fence and a nearby tree. The impact caused the fuselage and landing gear to tear into the fencing, eventually resulting in the aircraft coming to rest in an inverted position 190 meters from the runway threshold.
Both occupants managed to exit the aircraft through the left side after removing the damaged acrylic canopy. While there were no injuries, the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the aircraft's condition, the flight crew's experience, and the airfield environment. The investigation noted that the pilot had approximately 240 hours of experience in this specific aircraft type, though these hours were accumulated with significant gaps in flying time. Technical inspections of the TL-2000 Sting found no mechanical failures in the landing gear or braking system that would have affected ground controllability, despite the manufacturer's previous guidance regarding braking practices. The aircraft's GPS and transponder were turned off during the flight, preventing the recovery of digital flight data.
Findings
- The pilot failed to maintain control of the aircraft during the landing phase.
- The pilot did not apply the necessary corrective actions to prevent the excursion.
- The aircraft's high wing loading and aerodynamic design require effective pilot control, particularly during takeoff and landing.
- The pilot's recent flying experience in this specific aircraft type was intermittent, with several months of inactivity between sessions.
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 and organizations to address gaps in recurrent training. Additionally, the recommendation calls for the standardization of training practices among national instructors to ensure consistent safety standards for initial and recurrent ultralight pilot training.