What happened
On April 29, 2018, at approximately 20:45 UTC, a Microleve Anjofar ultralight aircraft, registration PU-AJF, was conducting a recreational local flight near Londrina, Paraná. The flight departed from a private area known as "Gramadão," located within the Buena Vista Industrial Park.
After approximately fifteen minutes of flight, the aircraft experienced an engine failure during the approach for landing. The pilot attempted an emergency landing, but the aircraft's right landing gear struck a fence before the aircraft impacted the ground. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. The pilot sustained serious injuries, while the passenger suffered minor injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed significant regulatory non-compliance regarding both the pilot and the aircraft. The investigation established that the pilot was operating without a valid pilot license or a valid Aeronautical Medical Certificate (CMA). Furthermore, the pilot had no formal flight training or technical knowledge of aircraft, having learned to fly informally from acquaintances.
Regarding the aircraft, the investigation found that the current owner had purchased the aircraft three years prior but lacked any official documentation for the vehicle. Additionally, following the accident, wreckage was found already disassembled in an uncertified workshop located near the crash site. The workshop owner stated that maintaining ultralight aircraft for local pilots was a routine activity.
Findings
- The pilot was operating without the required pilot license or medical certification.
- The engine failure occurred during the approach phase, leading to the forced landing.
- The landing site, while used for ultralight sports, was not a formally classified emergency landing area.
- The aircraft's right landing gear struck a fence during the landing attempt.
- The pilot lacked formal aeronautical training and technical knowledge of the aircraft.
- The aircraft was being maintained in an uncertified workshop.