What happened
On September 30, 2005, at approximately 17:30 UTC, a TL 2000 RG ultralight aircraft, registration EC-ZLK, was conducting a local recreational flight when the pilot experienced a failure in the nose gear extension. The pilot used a mobile phone to contact emergency services (112) to notify them of the impending emergency landing at the Aeródromo do Cerval.
During the landing, the nose gear remained retracted, causing the lower nose cowling to scrape against the runway surface. The landing resulted in minor injuries to one passenger, specifically a minor hand injury, while the pilot remained uninjured. Local firefighters from Vila Nova de Cerveira attended the scene and transported the passenger to a local health center.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation was significantly hindered by a lack of cooperation from the pilot, who was also the owner of the aircraft and the President of the Cerval Aeroclube. The investigator noted that the pilot removed the aircraft from the site without authorization and failed to return required documentation or respond to requests for information. Due to this lack of available factual data, the commission was unable to perform a detailed technical analysis of the mechanical failure or conduct specific testing.
Findings
- The pilot held a valid Spanish ultralight pilot license.
- The aircraft sustained minor damage to the lower nose cowling due to contact with the runway surface.
- The investigation could not determine the specific cause of the nose gear extension failure due to the unavailability of the pilot and the lack of technical data.
Safety action
Due to the regulatory differences between Portugal and Spain regarding ultralight aircraft operations and pilot training, the commission issued a recommendation to the National Civil Aviation Institute (INAC). The recommendation suggests establishing a protocol or agreement with the Spanish DGAC to regulate and uniformize ultralight activities and pilot operations across the borders of both countries.