What happened
On July 28, 2024, at approximately 17:18 UTC, an unregistered Humminbird H2 Supersport gyrocopter departed from the São Francisco do Sul Aerodrome in Santa Catarina, Brazil, for a local flight. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and one passenger. During the flight, the aircraft encountered deteriorating meteorological conditions, specifically newly formed fog that significantly degraded visibility. The pilot lost control of the aircraft, which subsequently struck the ground and caught fire at 17:25 UTC in the Ubatuba neighborhood. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and two fatalities.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed several significant regulatory and operational discrepancies. The pilot was operating with a suspended medical certificate (CMA) and a suspended gyrocopter rating (GIRO) dating back to April 2020. Furthermore, the pilot lacked the necessary instrument flight rating (IFRA) required for the conditions encountered.
The investigation also determined that the aircraft was not registered in the Brazilian Aeronautical Registry (RAB) and lacked a valid Experimental Flight Authorization Certificate (CAVE). Although the aircraft was an amateur-built model, its empty weight was recorded at 285 kg, exceeding the 200 kg limit for ultralight vehicles under RBAC No. 103, yet it lacked the required registration and markings. Additionally, the aircraft was not certified for flight under Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). Investigators were unable to examine the wreckage, as the debris was not located by the time the commission arrived at the scene.
Findings
- The pilot was not qualified to conduct the flight due to suspended medical and specific ratings.
- The aircraft lacked proper registration and airworthiness certification.
- Adverse meteorological conditions (fog) contributed to the loss of control.
- The pilot's decision-making, perception, and attitude were contributing factors to the accident.