What happened
On August 11, 2018, at approximately 20:15 UTC, a FOX VECTOR V-6 ultralight aircraft, registration PU-EFG, departed from the Aeródromo Nacional de Aviação (SWNV) in Goiânia, Brazil, for a local scenic flight. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and two passengers, including a one-year-old child.
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced an engine failure. In an attempt to return to the runway, the pilot initiated a steep left-hand turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft lost altitude and struck the wall of a residence, coming to rest on a perimeter wall. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft. The pilot and one passenger, the infant, sustained fatal injuries, while the second passenger suffered serious injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed several critical regulatory and operational discrepancies. The pilot was operating with an expired medical certificate and an expired advanced ultralight rating. Furthermore, the aircraft was operating beyond its maximum capacity, as it was limited to two occupants but was carrying three. The investigation also noted that the aircraft departed without a valid flight plan and was operating at an estimated weight of 461 kg, which exceeded the manufacturer's documented maximum takeoff weight of 450 kg.
Technical analysis of the engine, a Rotax 582, showed evidence of overheating and a subsequent seizure in cylinder number two. Investigators found that the pressure relief valve on the expansion tank was leaking, which could lead to insufficient engine cooling. Additionally, laboratory testing of the fuel mixture revealed that the gasoline used did not meet required standards regarding ethanol and evaporative content, which could negatively impact engine performance and reliability.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the engine failure following takeoff.
- The pilot's decision-making and flight maneuvers contributed to the crash, specifically performing a high-bank turn at an altitude (approximately 44 meters) that was insufficient for recovery and violated the manufacturer'std instructions.
- The pilot was flying with expired medical and rating credentials.
- The aircraft was overloaded with an unauthorized third passenger on board.
- There was a lack of verifiable maintenance records, including the absence of the mandatory Annual Maintenance Inspection Report (RIAM).
- The fuel mixture used was non-compliant with required chemical specifications.