What happened
On the morning of July 1, 2024, an Aeroprakt A-22L2, registration LN-YFX, departed Oppdal airfield, Fagerhaug, for a local training flight. The aircraft was occupied by the current owner, who was a student pilot, and the previous owner, who acted as the pilot in command. The flight was intended to involve flight training, specifically practicing landings and maneuvers.
After approximately 30 minutes of flight in the area near Oppdal, the crew performed a touch-and-go on runway 25. Following this, they climbed to roughly 400 feet above ground level to execute a teardrop maneuver toward runway 07. After another climb to 400 feet, the crew initiated a right-hand turn. This second maneuver was tighter and resulted in a faster rate of descent compared to their previous turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft entered a stall, and the crew was unable to recover before the plane struck the ground near the E6 highway, approximately 27 of meters east of the runway 25 threshold. The impact was followed by a fire. The pilot in command died at the scene, and the owner passed away later while being transported to the hospital.
The investigation
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) examined the flight path, aircraft maintenance records, and witness accounts. Investigators noted that the aircraft had recently undergone cosmetic maintenance on the engine valve covers. While the technical examination of the engine was limited due to the damage from the crash and subsequent fire, no mechanical failures were identified. The investigation focused on the flight profiles, noting that the aircraft's altitude and airspeed during the fatal turn closely mirrored a successful teardrop maneuver performed just moments earlier.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was loss of control at low altitude.
- The maneuver being performed was likely an intentional practice of returning to the airfield following an engine failure during takeoff.
- The aircraft entered a stall during a tight, high-rate-of-descent turn, leaving insufficient altitude for recovery.
- There was a lack of updated documentation regarding the aircraft's electronic fuel injection modification, which could affect emergency and maintenance procedures.
Safety action
- The NSIA recommends that the Norwegian Air Sports Federation (NLF) provide guidelines for pilots to safely practice emergency procedures and slow flight.
- A recommendation was made for the NLF to establish a method for aero clubs to determine a safe minimum altitude for practicing engine-failure returns.
- The NSIA also advised the NLF to issue guidance on how aircraft owners should properly update flight manuals, checklists, and maintenance procedures following aircraft modifications.