What happened
On October 12, 2002, a Tecnam P-2 Echo, registration CS-UJX, was conducting a recreational flight from Azambuja to Santarém and back. The flight, which included a pilot and one passenger, proceeded normally under clear skies and calm winds.
During the return to the Azambuja airstrip, the pilot attempted a short landing on runway 32. During the final approach, the aircraft struck a small earth mound located at the threshold of the runway. The impact caused the landing gear legs to fracture, causing the aircraft to come to a halt approximately five meters from the point of impact. Both occupants escaped the accident without injury.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the aircraft, the pilot's qualifications, and the condition of the landing site. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held valid licenses and medical certification, and that the aircraft was properly maintained according to regulations.
Investigators noted that the Azambuja airstrip was an uncertified agricultural strip consisting of gravel. At the time of the accident, a physical obstacle—a small mound of earth—was present at the head of runway 32. The examination of the wreckage confirmed that the fractures in the landing gear occurred due to the uncontrolled impact with this mound.