What happened
On June 22, 2019, a Fox V5 Advanced ultralight aircraft, registration PU-RMR, departed from the Itabora and Aerodrome (SDUR) in Rio de Janeiro for a local flight. Shortly after departing from runway 36, the aircraft experienced an engine failure. Witnesses observed the pilot attempting to maneuver the aircraft back toward the runway; however, during this recovery attempt, the aircraft struck the ground at a farm located approximately 200 meters from the opposite end of the runway. The impact resulted in fatal injuries for the pilot and caused substantial damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators noted that the aircraft wreckage was removed by members of the flight club prior to the arrival of firefighters and without authorization from the SIPAER investigation authority. The investigators learned of the accident six days after the occurrence.
Regarding the pilot's credentials, the pilot held valid Private Pilot (PPR) and Sport Pilot (CPA) certificates, along with valid Advanced Terrestrial Ultralight (UATE) and Fixed-Wing Sport Aircraft (AAFT) ratings. The pilot's medical certificate was also valid, though recent flight experience could not be determined.
Because the aircraft was a basic, amateur-built ultralight operating under an Experimental Flight Authorization Certificate (CAVE), investigators were unable to verify maintenance records, component traceability, or whether the aircraft was within its proper weight and balance limits.
Findings
Based on eyewitness accounts, the investigation established that an engine failure occurred immediately following takeoff. The investigation concluded that the crash may have been caused by improper control inputs during the attempt to return to the runway, leading to a loss of control in flight.