Synopsis
On 10 August 2024, at approximately 13:55 UTC, a Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter, registration D-FOGO, operated by Treino Avançado, experienced a serious incident during a skydiving flight near Portimão, Portugal. The aircraft sustained minor damage; no injuries were reported.
Description of the Occurrence
The aircraft had completed five skydiving flights earlier that day without anomalies. At 13:38, it departed Portimão Airport (LPPM) for its final flight of the day, carrying a pilot and seven skydivers (three tandem pairs and a camera flyer). It climbed to flight level 150 (FL150) as usual.
Following the skydivers' release at FL150, the pilot began descending to FL100. At around FL100, while overflying Portimão marina, the pilot reported the aircraft pitched nose-down and attempted to counteract the movement by pulling the control stick with both hands. This process lasted approximately 50 seconds, during which the pilot transmitted a distress communication indicating loss of control.
Flight data from transponder sources (FlightRadar24 and NAV Portugal) showed the aircraft transitioning from a pronounced nose-down attitude to inverted flight, corroborating the pilot's account. The pilot regained control, returned to wings-level flight, and continued descent toward Portimão. He then declared a loss of engine power, attempted an unsuccessful restart, and requested priority approach from Portimão flight information service. He landed on runway 11 with the engine producing no power, without further incident.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries were recorded. The aircraft sustained minor damage: lower wing surface damage with separation of access covers on both wings. Other damage was considered minor and acceptable by the aircraft's airworthiness management organization. The operator did not possess a dent and buckle chart for the aircraft at the time of the event.
About the Investigation
The GPIAAF (Portuguese Aviation Accident Investigation Authority) was notified by Faro air traffic control. An investigation team was deployed to Portimão. The aircraft was evaluated jointly with the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB) as the state of design and manufacture. Evidence collection and tests indicated low complexity; findings are presented in this summary report.
Relevant Findings
The pilot held a valid CPL(A) license and Class 1 medical certificate, with 22,800 total flight hours, including 670 hours on type. No evidence indicated medical factors contributed. The operator, Treino Avançado, provides support for skydiving activities under brands Skydive Seven and Air Emotions.
No probable cause was determined by the investigation.