What happened
On May 1, 2019, at approximately 19:45 UTC, an experimental RV-9A, registration PU-APK, was conducting a private flight from Ubá, Minas Gerais, to the Clube de Voo Floresta aerodrome in Visconde do Rio Branco. The flight carried a pilot and one passenger.
During a local celebration at the aerodrome, the pilot performed a low pass over the runway. Following this pass, the pilot initiated an abrupt 90-degree climb to execute an aerobatic maneuver, identified by witnesses as a "hammerhead." At the apex of the maneuver, the aircraft lost control and entered a vertical descent, impacting the terrain approximately 535 meters from the threshold of runway 03. The impact resulted in two fatalities and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the flight sequence, the aircraft's technical limitations, and the regulatory environment. The investigation established that the aircraft was an experimental model and, according to its manufacturer's flight manual, was not certified for aerobatic operations.
Investigators also noted that there was no Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued for aerobatic flights in the area at the time of the occurrence. While the pilot held valid medical and pilot certifications, and the aircraft had a valid experimental flight authorization and maintenance records, the operation itself violated Brazilian aeronautical regulations regarding the use of aircraft for maneuvers outside their design limitations.
Findings
- The pilot attempted a hammerhead maneuver, which involved pulling the aircraft into a vertical position to allow speed to decay before rotating around the vertical axis.
- At the top of the maneuver, the aircraft likely experienced a loss of control effectiveness due to low or non-existent relative wind, preventing the pilot from correcting the excessive attitude.
- There was insufficient altitude to recover from the loss of control.
- The aircraft was not certified for aerobatic maneuvers per the manufacturer's manual.
- The flight violated RBHA 91 regulations, which mandate that aerobatic maneuvers must only be performed in aircraft possessing standard or special airworthiness certificates and within design limitations.