What happened
On February 16, 2013, an Aerotec A-122-B, registration PP-HKS, departed from Laguna Aerodrome (SSLA) for a sightseeing flight at an altitude of 1,500 feet over Praia do Gi. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and one passenger.
During the flight, the pilot attempted to switch the fuel selector from the right main tank to the left main tank. This maneuver caused the engine to operate abnormally. Although the pilot successfully restored normal engine function by returning the selector to its original position, the incident caused the passenger to lose consciousness. While unconscious, the passenger inadvertently moved the rudder pedal to the left and it became stuck in that position.
As the aircraft entered a left-hand turn due to the jammed rudder, the pilot attempted to bank the wings to counteract the turn and execute an emergency landing on the beach. During the landing attempt, the left wing struck the ground with significant force.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of control and the airworthiness of the aircraft. Investigators noted that the aircraft was removed from the site before investigators arrived. Due to the operator's failure to provide maintenance records, the investigation could not evaluate the aircraft's maintenance history. The investigation also identified several regulatory non-compliances regarding the pilot's credentials and the aircraft's certification.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained severe damage.
- The two occupants sustained minor injuries.
- The pilot was operating with an expired Medical Certificate (CMA) and an expired Technical Certificate (CHT).
- The aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness (CA) was expired.
- The aircraft was within weight and balance limits at the time of the accident.
- The unintentional jamming of the rudder pedal by the passenger was the primary factor leading to the loss of control.