What happened
On August 28, 2018, a Fly Synthesis Storch 22 CLJ Amphibium, registration LN-YSZ, was conducting a reindeer search operation in the mountainous region of Gildeskål municipality, south of Bodø. The flight began with a departure from Valnesfjordvatnet, after which the pilot picked up a passenger at Markvatnet to assist in locating reindeer in the Glomfjellet and Láhko National Park areas.
During the mission, the aircraft was observed flying at a very low altitude, approximately 20 to 50 meters above the terrain, while traversing a mountain ridge. The aircraft subsequently crashed in rugged terrain northeast of the Svartisen glacier. The impact was followed by a fire, and both occupants were killed.
The investigation
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) determined that the aircraft was operating with significant safety margin reductions. The investigation found that the aircraft was loaded beyond its maximum allowable mass. Furthermore, the aircraft lacked a flight recorder, transponder, and radar data, making the exact sequence of events dependent on witness observations.
Investigators also examined the regulatory oversight of the microlight aviation community in Norway. They identified that the pilot was flying below prescribed altitudes and that the aircraft's weight exceeded safe limits for the terrain being navigated.
Findings
- The pilot likely encountered a downdraft while attempting to climb over a mountain ridge at a low altitude.
- The aircraft was overloaded, which, combined with the steep climb and terrain, likely caused the airspeed to decay until a stall occurred.
- The aircraft's weight and the environmental conditions led to a steep-angle impact with the ground.
- There were systemic failures in the oversight of the microlight segment, including inadequate follow-up by both the Norwegian Air Sports Association (NLF) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regarding previously identified deviations.
- Passengers were not sufficiently informed about the specific risks of microlight flight, such as the lack of official aircraft certification and potential insurance limitations.
Safety action
The NSIA issued three safety recommendations aimed at improving the oversight of the microlight sector. These include requirements for the CAA to perform stricter monitoring of the NLF, for the NLF to improve its internal audits of flying clubs to ensure compliance with safety manuals, and for the implementation of a regime to ensure passengers are fully aware of the risks and insurance conditions associated with these flights.