What happened
On June 9, 2003, a RANS S-10 SAKOTA ultralight, registered as EC-YLE, was performing a local solo flight for self-instruction purposes at the Cerval Aerodrome. While the pilot was on final approach to runway 34, the engine suffered a total failure. Unable to reach the runway threshold, the pilot performed an emergency landing approximately 300 meters short of the runway.
The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, sustained no injuries. However, the aircraft suffered damage to the landing gear, the lower fuselage, and one propeller blade.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined various testimonies and records to reconstruct the event. While the pilot initially claimed he was not flying the aircraft and that a former owner was providing instruction, the investigation found conflicting evidence. The former owner stated he had sold the aircraft two years prior and had no involvement in the incident. Furthermore, records indicated that the pilot did not hold a valid ULM license at the time of the occurrence.
Regarding the aircraft's status, although the pilot had inquired about transferring ownership to his name in 2001, the registration remained in the name of the previous owner. The investigation also noted that the local authorities (GNR) had not been officially notified of the occurrence at the time it happened.
Findings
- The engine failure was caused by the rupture of a fuel supply line.
- The pilot was operating the aircraft without the required ULM license.
- The aircraft's registration had not been updated to reflect the current operator/owner.
- Meteorological conditions were not considered a contributing factor to the incident.