What happened
On January 25, 2025, at approximately 14:40 local time, a takeoff tow operation at Vitacura Municipal Aerodrome (SCLC) resulted in a fatal accident. An Alisport Silent 2 Electro Light ultralight aircraft (ULM) was attempting a local flight and requested assistance from a nearby Piper PA18-150 aircraft, operated by a local glider club, to perform a winch-style tow.
As both aircraft began their takeoff roll on runway 26, the ULM experienced a rapid ascent that exceeded the flight path of the towing aircraft. This sudden upward movement caused the Piper PA18-150 to pitch forward abruptly, resulting in its propeller striking the runway surface. In response to the instability, the pilot of the ULM disconnected from the tow cable and notified the towing pilot via radio, attempting to continue the flight as a glider at a low altitude. However, approximately 215 meters beyond the end of the runway, the pilot lost control of the ultralight, causing the aircraft to impact the ground within the aerodrome perimeter. The pilot of the ULM sustained fatal injuries at the scene, while the pilot of the towing aircraft remained uninjured.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the wreckage and the runway surface to reconstruct the sequence of events. The investigation confirmed that the ULM's cockpit was severely compressed and the canopy was lost due to the high-energy impact. The towing aircraft, located roughly 30 meters off the runway, showed damage to both propeller blades from contact with the asphalt.
Physical evidence on runway 26 included four distinct marks left by the propeller blades, located approximately 253 meters from the threshold. These marks were perpendicular to the runway centerline, consistent with the tail of the towing aircraft lifting and the propeller striking the ground. Meteorological data indicated clear skies and light winds of 4 to 6 knots at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The primary factor in the accident was the rapid and uncontrolled ascent of the ultralight aircraft during the initial takeoff phase, which disrupted the established flight path of the towing aircraft.
- The sudden pitch-forward motion of the towing aircraft led to propeller-to-ground contact.
- The loss of control of the ULM following the disconnection from the tow cable led to the fatal impact with the terrain.