What happened
On January 19, 2019, at approximately 19:30 UTC, a Mistral 582C ultralight aircraft, registered as PU-ABD, attempted to take off from a street located within a residential condominium in Parelost, Rio Grande do Norte. The flight was intended to be a local operation.
During the takeoff roll, the left wing of the aircraft struck a pedestrian walking alongside the roadway. The impact caused the aircraft to veer off the street and come to a stop on irregular terrain. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. While the pilot remained uninjured, the pedestrian sustained serious injuries and required hospitalization.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by SERIPA II, established several critical irregularities regarding the operation and the personnel involved. The authorities noted that the aircraft was removed from the accident site without the authorization of the Investigating Commander. Furthermore, the investigation could not retrieve full technical specifications for the aircraft because it was only held under a reservation of marks, meaning its basic characteristics were not registered in the official aeronautical database.
Additionally, the investigation authorities were not notified of the occurrence by the operator or the pilot at the time of the event.
Findings
- The pilot was operating the aircraft without a valid Pilot License or the necessary aeronautical ratings.
- The pilot did not possess a valid Aeronautical Medical Certificate (CMA).
- The takeoff was attempted from an unauthorized surface (a residential street).
- The collision with the pedestrian was caused by the aircraft's wing striking the individual during the takeoff roll.