What happened
On December 13, 2020, a Montalva Skypax, registration PU-UAM, departed from the Curitiba Ultralight Club (SSUL) in São José dos Pinhais, Brazil. The purpose of the flight was to conduct a local pattern to verify engine systems following recent maintenance work.
During the downwind leg of the flight pattern, the pilot experienced abnormal engine behavior followed by a total loss of power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine without success and subsequently attempted an emergency approach to runway 03. During the maneuver, the aircraft performed a 360-degree descending turn. While attempting to align with the runway, the left wing of the aircraft struck a hangar, causing the aircraft to lose control and impact the ground. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but the pilot emerged uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the flight maneuvers and the technical state of the aircraft. The pilot was found to be properly licensed and medically certified, though it was noted that this was the pilot's first flight in this specific aircraft model.
Investigators reviewed airfield monitoring footage, which confirmed that the aircraft executed a steep descending turn with bank angles exceeding 60 degrees. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was equipped with a Volkswagen AP 2000 engine, which lacked official design or airworthiness certification from the Civil Aviation Authority. Furthermore, maintenance and inspection records for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not provided for review, preventing a deeper analysis of the mechanical factors involved in the power loss.
Findings
- Inadequate flight maneuvering: The pilot's decision to execute high-bank turns and a 360-degree descending turn during an engine-out emergency increased the rate of descent and the flight path length, preventing a safe arrival at the runway.
- Pilot judgment: The execution of flight commands during the emergency was determined to be improper for the situation.
- Lack of type experience: The pilot's limited experience with this specific aircraft model may have contributed to the poor handling of the emergency.
- Uncertified engine: The engine used in the aircraft did not have certified production or airworthiness documentation.