What happened
On October 5, 2002, a Cessna 182M, registration CS-DAV, departed from Portimão aerodrome to conduct a skydiving operation near Paderne, Portugal. The flight was part of a scheduled event for a local skydiving center. After successfully dropping four skydivers at 5,000 feet, the pilot decided to perform a low-altitude pass over the landing area as a farewell gesture.
To assist with visual references for the landing skydivers, several vehicles had been lined up under existing high-voltage lines. While the pilot was aware of these specific lines, he was unaware of a second set of 15 kV power lines running perpendicular to the first, located approximately 50 meters north of the field. As the aircraft flew at an altitude of only about 7 to 9 meters, the left wing struck the three aluminum-steel conductors.
The impact severed the cables and caused significant damage to the aircraft. The whipping motion of the broken wires destroyed the VHF and ADF antennas and struck the vertical stabilizer, partially tearing the rudder and causing it to bend. Despite the loss of communication equipment, the pilot managed to climb to 1,000 feet and proceeded to Portimão. Due to the damaged rudder and wing, the aircraft exhibited a strong tendency to yaw left and roll, forcing the pilot to maintain high power and use maximum right rudder to execute a heavy landing on runway 11.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the flight path, the aircraft's structural damage, and the pilot's adherence to operational procedures. Investigators reviewed video footage from news outlets and witnesses, which confirmed the low altitude of the maneuver. The investigation also analyzed the electrical infrastructure, noting that the 15 kV lines were difficult to distinguish from the surrounding terrain. The investigation confirmed that the pilot's flight planning and rest requirements were in compliance with regulations, but identified specific violations of airspace rules and company procedures during the low-level maneuver.
Findings
- The pilot violated international Air Rules (ICAO Annex 2) by performing a low-level pass that exceeded permitted altitude limits.
- The pilot breached the operator's Flight Operations Manual, which established minimum altitudes for such operations.
- The collision with high-voltage power lines was caused by the aircraft's low altitude and high speed during the maneuver.
- The pilot's lack of prior reconnaissance of the area meant the existence of the perpendicular 15 kV lines was unknown.
- The aircraft sustained significant damage, including a deformed leading edge on the left wing, destroyed communication antennas, and a severely damaged rudder.
- Meteorological conditions were favorable and did not contribute to the accident.