What happened
On July 3, 2023, at approximately 17:31 UTC, an amphibious ultralight aircraft, a Krucker Cygnet with registration CS-UTF, attempted to take off from the sea near Porto do Calhau, on Pico Island, Azores. The aircraft owner had been preparing for flight maneuvers, including training for water landings, following an initial failed attempt caused by issues with the landing gear retraction mechanism.
During the take-off roll, the engine experienced power variations, causing the aircraft to briefly touch the water surface before gaining altitude. As the aircraft climbed, the floats maintained a high pitching attitude, and the wing began a left banking motion. The pilot did not counter this movement, causing the left wingtip to strike the water. The impact caused the aircraft to pivot and come to rest in an inverted position. The occupant, who was not wearing a life vest or seat belts, was found near the wreckage by a fishing vessel. He was transported to a local health center, where he later died from asphyxia due to submersion.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the pilot's qualifications, the aircraft's airworthiness, and the operational circumstances. The investigation revealed that the 70-year-old pilot did not hold a valid flight license or a class 2 medical certificate. While the owner had received some flight training in the United States, the aircraft's manufacturer noted that the pilot had only completed a few hours of flight without formal training on this specific type. Furthermore, the pilot had not flown this aircraft type since a training session in Miami in 2019.
Regarding the aircraft, the Krucker Cygnet was a weight-shift control ultralight featuring a Rotax 912ULS engine. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's flight certificate lacked an explicit expiry date, which could lead owners to believe such certificates do not expire.
Findings
- The pilot lacked the required flight license and medical certification for the operation.
- The pilot had not completed formal training on the specific aircraft type and had significant gaps in recent flight experience.
- The pilot was not wearing essential safety equipment, specifically a life vest or seat belts, at the time of the accident.
- The aircraft's flight certificate did not clearly state an expiration date, contributing to potential regulatory confusion.
- The aircraft was destroyed due to the impact with the water during the loss of control.