Accident Overview
On 28 July 2024, at 17:25 UTC, an unregistered amateur-built Humminbird H2 Supersport gyrocopter crashed in the Bairro Ubatuba area of São Francisco do Sul, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The aircraft had departed from Aeródromo São Francisco do Sul (SSSS) at approximately 17:18 UTC for a local flight with one pilot and one passenger on board. During the flight, the gyrocopter encountered unfavorable weather conditions and lost control, colliding with the ground and catching fire. The aircraft was destroyed, and both occupants suffered fatal injuries.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a Humminbird H2 Supersport, was built by an amateur constructor and had an empty weight of 285 kg according to the engineer responsible for its construction. It was not registered in the Brazilian Aeronautical Registry (RAB) and did not possess a Special Flight Authorization Certificate (CAVE). The aircraft was not certified for flight under Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC).
The pilot held a Private Pilot License (PPR) and a Sport Pilot Certificate (CPD). However, his gyrocopter rating (GIRO) had been suspended since 6 April 2020 due to a prior aeronautical occurrence, and his Aeronautical Medical Certificate (CMA) had been expired since 10 May 2019 and was also suspended as of 6 April 2020. The pilot did not hold an Instrument Rating (IFRA). To operate an experimental sport aircraft, the pilot was required to hold a valid Sport Pilot Certificate with appropriate ratings.
Weather Conditions
Witnesses reported that fog had recently formed at the location, reducing visibility. Security camera footage from a nearby establishment captured the accident moment. Images taken by a remotely piloted aircraft from police authorities showed the prevailing weather conditions at the time, characterized by low visibility. The investigation noted that the weather conditions were below the minimums required for the flight.
Investigation Findings
The investigation commission arrived at the accident site around 19:00 UTC on 29 July 2024 but did not locate the wreckage, which prevented a detailed examination of the aircraft. The flight was conducted in violation of multiple aeronautical regulations, including the lack of aircraft registration, missing flight authorization, and the pilot's expired and suspended credentials. The aircraft's operation outside regulatory requirements potentially introduced latent unsafe conditions.
Contributing Factors
The investigation identified the following contributing factors as per the official report:
- Application of controls: undetermined
- Attitude: contributed
- Adverse weather conditions: contributed
- Perception: contributed
- Decision-making process: contributed
No safety recommendations or corrective actions were issued.