What happened
On November 1, 2022, a private pilot was conducting takeoff and landing practice at the Rozas airfield in Lugo, Spain. The flight involved an Aisa I-11B, registration EC-BLX.
During the initial circuit, while flying the downwind leg, the pilot spotted a *Vespa velutina* (Asian hornet) inside the cockpit. The pilot managed to kill the insect using the aircraft's manual, believing the threat had passed. Following the completion of the first circuit, the pilot prepared for a subsequent takeoff from runway 22, applying full power.
Shortly after lifting off, the pilot felt a sharp sting in his left eye. In a reflexive response to the sudden pain, the pilot released the control column with his left hand to attempt to strike the insect. This sudden release of control caused the nose of the aircraft to drop abruptly. The aircraft struck the runway at a height of approximately one to two meters, causing the propeller to impact the ground. The momentum caused the aircraft to slide along the runway before flipping forward onto its nose.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events following the takeoff and the pilot's reaction to the insect. Investigators examined the aircraft's condition, the cockpit environment, and the meteorological data. A physical inspection of the aircraft and the hangar was conducted to search for additional insects or nests, but no further hornets or nests were found. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight experience and the aircraft's maintenance records, which were all found to be in order.
Findings
- The pilot experienced a loss of control due to a reflexive action following a sting from an Asian horking in the left eye.
- The sudden release of the control column caused the aircraft's nose to pitch down, leading to the runway impact.
- The aircraft sustained significant damage, including a broken wing, a separated engine and instrument panel, and the loss of both propeller blades.
- The pilot sustained minor injuries but was able to be rescued by a maintenance technician and other club members who responded to the crash noise.