What happened
On November 10, 2023, at 10:54 UTC, a BRM Citius Sport (registration F-JAYP) was performing a takeoff from Foros do Mocho, Montargil, Portugal. The flight was a private general aviation operation intended to travel from Monte do Lago, Portugal, to Guadalupe, Spain. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft experienced a partial loss of engine power, which subsequently led to a loss of control in flight.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the technical condition of the aircraft, the fuel system, and the flight planning process. The investigation focused on the aircraft's construction history, noting that the aircraft was built as a kit. Investigators found that the builder had originally intended to use the aircraft personally but later decided to sell it. Crucially, the aircraft had not yet undergone a formal validation process, which includes systematic functional, ground, and flight testing to ensure the integrity of systems like the fuel supply across all flight attitudes.
Furthermore, the investigation looked into the transfer of ownership. It was determined that the transition of the aircraft to new owners occurred without the necessary technical information being passed along, leaving the new operators unaware of the aircraft's unvalidated status. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight planning, which was found to involve deviations and the acceptance of unknown risks.
Findings
- The aircraft had not completed the necessary post-construction validation and flight testing required to ensure safe operation.
- The partial loss of engine power was a critical factor in the loss of control.
- The transfer of ownership occurred without providing the new owners with essential information regarding the aircraft's technical constraints.
- The flight planning and preparation process demonstrated a lack of technical, operational, and regulatory knowledge, characterized by the acceptance of unknown risks.