What happened
On September 27, 2024, at approximately 11:45 local time, a solo instructional flight ended in an accident at the Curacaví Aerodrome (SCCV) in the Metropolitan Region of Chile. The aircraft, a Bristell S-LSA, was operated by a student pilot performing a solo maneuver as part of a training program.
After departing from runway 11 and completing the initial ground roll, the aircraft began its ascent. Upon reaching an altitude of approximately 50 feet, the aircraft entered a sharp left turn, which led to an impact with the terrain within the aerodrome perimeter. The impact occurred roughly 100 meters north of the runway centerline. The student pilot sustained serious injuries and was evacuated from the wreckage by emergency services.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the wreckage and the flight conditions at the time of the occurrence. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's engine, propeller, and airframe sustained significant structural damage. Specifically, the engine compartment, propeller blades, and cockpit canopy were heavily damaged or fractured, consistent with a vertical impact against the ground.
Technical inspections of the aircraft revealed that the nose landing gear was broken and deformed, while the wings showed structural damage to the leading edges, ribs, and spars. The investigation also noted that the fuel tanks were intact and the fuel system was functional prior to the impact. Meteorological data indicated favorable flying conditions, with clear skies, light winds, and no precipitation at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The aircraft was performing a solo instructional flight.
- The pilot was a student pilot with approximately 18 hours of total flight time.
- The aircraft entered a steep left-hand turn at a very low altitude (50 feet) during the takeoff phase.
- The aircraft struck the ground, resulting in significant structural failure of the engine, propeller, and cockpit components.
- The pilot was secured by a four-point safety harness, which helped keep them in the seat during the impact.