What happened
On May 4, 2025, at approximately 15:00 local time, a student pilot operating a Micro Aviation Pulsar III ultralight aircraft crashed in the Pirque commune of the Santiago Metropolitan Region. The flight originated from the Estero Seco (SCZE) aerodrome with the intent of performing a recreational flight to San Fernando (SCSD) and returning to the point of origin. While flying over the El Principal Golf Club, approximately 2.5 km from the intended destination, the aircraft lost altitude and impacted the ground. The impact resulted in one fatality—the student pilot—and caused extensive damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the wreckage at the crash site, which was located on hard ground with short, dry grass. The aircraft was found in an inverted position. The investigation revealed significant structural damage, including a fractured and deformed fuselage, a destroyed windshield, and a torn fabric covering on the wings. Notably, the left wing had collapsed onto the fuselage due to a brittle fracture in the support bolt of the left wing strut. The tail section (empennage) also detached upon impact, with parts of the horizontal stabilizer and elevator found scattered in nearby foliage.
Technical discrepancies were noted regarding the aircraft's identification. While the wreckage was identified as a Micro Aviation Pulsar III through image comparison, the registration markings on the wings and vertical stabilizer corresponded to a different model, a Silent Family Glider M. Because the pilot had passed away and the aircraft lacked identification plates, investigators relied on manufacturer data and visual analysis. The engine, a Rotax 582, was found to be intact on its mount, though the exhaust system was crushed and the spark plugs were fractured. The fuel tank was deformed and perforated, and a 20-liter plastic jerrycan containing fuel residues was found near the wreckage.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained catastrophic structural failure, specifically a brittle fracture of the left wing strut support bolt, which led to the collapse of the left wing.
- The impact was high-energy, resulting in the detachment of the empennage and the destruction of the cockpit's composite structure.
- The pilot was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, and the seatbelts/harnesses were functional, though they were cut during rescue efforts.
- There was no evidence of fuel contamination in the carburetors, as the fuel examined was automotive gasoline mixed with 2% two-stroke oil.
- The investigation noted a discrepancy between the physical aircraft type and the registration markings found on the airframe.