What happened
On June 3, 2019, at approximately 19:15 UTC, a powered paraglider (PPG) with landing gear took off from Mesa - Macinhata do Vouga, Portugal, for a test flight. The flight was intended to evaluate a newly acquired wing while operating the aircraft from the rear seat position. During the flight, the aircraft encountered atmospheric instability, causing the pilot to lose control of the longitudinal axis. The aircraft subsequently gained significant vertical speed in a downward trajectory, ending in a frontal impact with a fence of a house in the village of Macinhata do Vouga.
The collision resulted in serious injuries to the passenger, who also participated in the activity, specifically to his legs. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft and damage to the residential structure.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation established that the aircraft was a locally manufactured hscom Condor XL Paratrike utilizing an APCO LIFT EU II 450 wing. The aircraft was powered by a liquid-cooled, 2-stroke Rotax 582 engine.
Investigators found that the aircraft was not certified or authorized under current regulations. Furthermore, the pilot held only a sports license, which did not grant the privileges required to conduct this specific flight. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's components did not meet the design approval requirements for single or serial manufacture as mandated by the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC). Additionally, the equipment did not comply with international ASTM standards for kit assembly and production acceptance testing.
Findings
- The pilot lost control of the longitudinal axis due to atmospheric instability.
- The aircraft was operating without proper certification or regulatory authorization.
- The pilot lacked the necessary licensing privileges for the flight performed.
- The aircraft components failed to meet required manufacturing and assembly standards (ASTM F2563-16 and F2242-05).
- The regulatory framework for this type of activity in Portugal was found to be inadequate for modern oversight and safety compliance.
- Risk analysis practices for this category of operation were found to be ineffective, as evidenced by a history of similar accidents in the region.