Introduction
On 1 July 2024, at approximately 1113 local time, an Aeroprakt A-22L2 ultralight aircraft, registered LN-YFX, crashed near Oppdal airfield in Trøndelag county, Norway. The aircraft impacted the ground adjacent to European route E6, about 270 meters east of the threshold of runway 25. A fire broke out shortly after impact.
Flight Sequence
The aircraft had taken off from Oppdal airfield at 1042. On board were the pilot in command (the previous owner of the aircraft) and the current owner. The pilot in command, seated in the left seat, held a valid pilot license but was not instructor-qualified. The current owner, in the right seat, was a student pilot who had completed multiple training flights on LN-YFX. The flight was likely intended as a training session for both occupants.
After approximately 30 minutes of flying in the area between the airfield and Oppdal town, the aircraft returned to the airfield and performed a touch-and-go landing on runway 25. Following the touch-and-go, the aircraft climbed straight ahead to about 400 feet above ground level (AGL) and then executed a left teardrop maneuver to line up for another touch-and-go on runway 07. After that touch-and-go, the aircraft again climbed straight ahead to 400 feet AGL and began a right-hand turn. This maneuver was similar to the previous teardrop but with a tighter turn and higher rate of descent. Flight data and witness observations indicate that the aircraft stalled during this maneuvering, and the occupants were unable to regain control before impact.
Investigation Findings
The investigation did not uncover any pre-existing technical issues with the aircraft that could have contributed to the accident. However, the damage from the crash and subsequent fire limited the technical examination, so the possibility of engine problems cannot be fully excluded as a reason for the maneuver that led to loss of control.
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) stated that the maneuvering at the time of the accident was intentional and likely part of practicing a return to the airfield after an engine failure on takeoff. The NSIA determined that the cause of the accident was loss of control at low altitude.
Occupants and Injuries
The pilot in command was killed on impact. The current owner was rescued from the wreckage by bystanders but died later during transport to the hospital. Both occupants were fatally injured.
Conclusion
The accident was caused by loss of control at low altitude during a teardrop-like maneuver. The NSIA believes the maneuver was intended as training for an engine-out return to the airfield.