Aircraft and Flight Details
The accident involved a Reims Cessna F150H, serial number 150-0301, registration D-EAYV, operated by Aero Clube de Leiria. The flight was a local circuit training flight at José Ferrinho aerodrome (LPJF) in Leiria, Portugal, on June 6, 2024, at 18:06 UTC. The crew consisted of a pilot undergoing proficiency training (left seat) and an instructor pilot (right seat). The pilot in training held a valid PPL(A) license and class 1 medical certificate, with 60:23 total flight hours on type; it was his third flight in the accident aircraft.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft departed runway 02 at 17:59 for a left-hand circuit and performed a touch-and-go without any reported anomaly. At 18:05, during the climb of a new circuit at about 150 feet AGL, the crew noticed the aircraft was not performing as expected, with indicated airspeed decreasing. Unable to maintain the climb, the instructor took control, the pilot in training declared an emergency, and a 180-degree turn was initiated to land on runway 20. With a tailwind component, the aircraft overflew runway 20 without touching down, leading the instructor to abort the landing and initiate a right-hand turn for another attempt to runway 02, applying power to climb.
The poor performance was again felt while climbing away from runway 20 on a slightly right-handed course. A left turn was initiated to return to the aerodrome and land on runway 02. In a low mechanical energy state, the aircraft entered a tight left-hand turn, stalled, and the right wing dropped, striking a low voltage power cable. The collision dynamics caused the aircraft to collide violently on the forward section on adjacent road N109, then rebound and project onto a parallel gravel road, becoming immobilized in a bramble bush.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot in training (left seat) sustained minor injuries and egressed the aircraft unaided. The instructor pilot (right seat) sustained serious injuries and received emergency medical assistance while still in the aircraft. Both occupants were transported to the nearest hospital. Both pilots were wearing their seat belts (dorsal and lap), which minimized secondary collisions with the instrument panel. The aircraft was destroyed. It was found with flaps between 5 and 10 degrees, carburettor heat on, throttle idle, mixture rich.
Investigation
The GPIAAF was notified at 18:18 and began on-site investigation the following morning. Weather was conducive to the flight with wind from 319° at 6 knots and temperature around 19°C. The investigation considered the event of low complexity with limited safety learning, covered by the work performed. The report concluded with publishing a summary report.