Flight History
On August 31, 2004, at 18:47 UTC, a Jabiru SK ultralight aircraft, registration CS-UKC, departed from runway 30 at Aeroporto João Paulo II in Ponta Delgada. The pilot and a passenger were on board for a recreational flight around São Miguel Island to capture images. At about 600 feet above ground level, over the last quarter of the runway, the engine suddenly stopped. The pilot lowered the nose and initiated a right turn with a high descent rate. The aircraft crossed the airport boundary, a perimeter road, and impacted a parking lot on the north side of the airport.
Injuries
The pilot sustained minor facial abrasions. The passenger suffered serious injuries, including fractures of the foot bones, and was hospitalized at Ponta Delgada Hospital.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft was destroyed.
Other Damage
The aircraft and debris struck parked vehicles, causing substantial damage to five cars.
Pilot Information
The pilot, a 48-year-old male, held a Spanish ultralight pilot license issued March 3, 2004, valid until October 31, 2004. He was not qualified for radiotelephony or passenger transport. His logbook contained no entries; based on recovered navigation records, his estimated total flight time as of July 19, 2004, was 81 hours 40 minutes, with 56 hours 40 minutes on type.
Aircraft Information
The Jabiru SK (serial P261, built 2000) was a high-wing monoplane with a fixed tricycle landing gear. It was powered by a Jabiru 2200A four-cylinder opposed engine (80 hp) and a two-blade fixed-pitch wooden propeller. The aircraft's maximum takeoff mass per its flight certificate was 360 kg; however, the calculated takeoff mass was approximately 425 kg, exceeding the certificate limit but within the manufacturer's limit of 430 kg. The center of gravity was within the envelope.
Meteorological Information
Wind was light from 270° at 10 knots, visibility good, few clouds above 1600 feet, scattered clouds above 2000 feet, temperature 21°C, QNH 1021 hPa.
Examination of Wreckage
The wreckage was dispersed over more than 400 m². Initial impact occurred with a Renault 4L, severing the right wing. The aircraft then struck a Mitsubishi Strakar, causing separation of the landing gear leg, engine, and instrument panel. The fuselage continued, shedding parts, and came to rest vertically against a Ford Fiesta, with occupants suspended by seat belts. The engine continued forward about five meters. Total distance from first impact to engine stop was over 50 meters.