What happened
On July 12, 2009, at approximately 10:40 local time, a TL-96 ultralight aircraft, registration EC-DK7, departed from the Cerval aerodrome in Portugal. The aircraft was part of a group of five ultralights traveling from a tour in Galicia back to their respective destinations, including Ávila, Spain.
Following takeoff, the pilot maintained radio contact with other aircraft in the group. These preceding pilots reported favorable weather conditions to the east and suggested a route change to avoid the area south of the aerodrome. While the pilot initially expressed an intention to adjust the route, the aircraft continued south along the A-3 motorway toward Braga. As the flight progressed, the pilot lost communication with the other aircraft.
At approximately 11:50, bystanders discovered the wreckage near the village of Vacariça, in the municipality of Ponte de Lima. The aircraft disintegrated upon impact with the ground, and a post-impact fire fueled by remaining fuel consumed much of the wreckage. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, did not survive the accident.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the aircraft wreckage, meteorological data, and flight communications. Investigators found that the aircraft's engine was producing power at the moment of impact, as evidenced by fractures in the gearbox and marks on the propeller blades. The wreckage pattern indicated that the right wingtip struck high vegetation during a steep right-hand turn, followed by the engine nacelle striking a rock.
The investigation also noted that the pilot had not submitted a flight plan and that the Cerval aerodrome lacked available aeronautical meteorological information. While the pilot was properly qualified, the investigation focused on the flight'_s deviation from VFR requirements due to the terrain and weather.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's inability to maintain the aircraft clear of clouds and the ground while flying over mountainous terrain with low cloud ceilings.
- The aircraft was operating in Class G airspace, where VFR regulations require the pilot to remain at least 500 meters from clouds and maintain visibility of the surface.
- Adverse meteorological conditions, including low cloud ceilings and fog, significantly restricted VFR flight options.
- The pilot's decision to fly east into mountainous terrain, while attempting to find better weather, resulted in a loss of altitude and separation from the clouds.