What happened
On March 30, 2019, at approximately 15:10 UTC, an RV-7 aircraft, registration PT-ZVY, departed from the Terramare Aerodrome (SWFV) in Guapé, Minas Gerais, bound for Passos, Minas Gerais, for refueling. The flight was part of an experimental aircraft owners' meeting taking place at the airfield.
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot began performing a series of intentional maneuvers at a very low altitude. Video footage from a nearby structure showed the aircraft performing a low-level pass, followed by an abrupt climb and a right-hand reversal turn. The aircraft then executed a low-level pass over a reservoir toward a nearby inn, followed by an abrupt left turn and a slight climb. At the peak of the final maneuver, approximately 200 feet above the ground, the pilot initiated a sharp right turn with a 9/0-degree bank angle. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a loss of control, entered an inverted descending flight, and struck the terrain. The impact destroyed the aircraft and caused two fatalities.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the flight sequence, the aircraft's airworthiness, and the pilot's credentials. The pilot held valid medical and single-engine land licenses and was experienced in this aircraft type. The aircraft possessed a valid flight authorization certificate (CAV) and was within weight and balance limits. However, maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller could not be located.
The investigation analyzed the legality of the maneuvers under Brazilian aeronautical regulations. According to ICA 100-12/2016, VFR flights are prohibited over inhabited areas or groups of people at altitudes below 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a 600-meter radius. Furthermore, while the RV-7 is designed for aerobatics, the manufacturer's flight manual specifies that such maneuvers should be performed at a minimum altitude of 1,500 feet. The investigation also considered the aerodynamic possibility that the right wing experienced a stall during the high-bank turn due to the difference in angular velocity across the wingspan.
Findings
- The pilot performed intentional low-altitude aerobatic maneuvers over a concentration of people.
- The aircraft's right wing may have stalled during the high-angle bank maneuver.
- The maneuvers were performed in violation of altitude regulations regarding flight over inhabited areas.
- The pilot may have been performing maneuvers for exhibition purposes due to the presence of other pilots at the event.
- Maintenance records for the engine, propeller, and airframe were unavailable for review.