What happened
On the afternoon of September 22, 2021, a Brügger MB-2 Colibri was performing a local flight at the Hasselt-Kiewit aerodrome (EBZH). The aircraft, which had been inactive since March of that year, had taken off from Runway 09 and was returning to the airfield.
During the approach, the pilot announced a full stop but subsequently declared a go-around. While the initial climb appeared normal to witnesses, the aircraft suddenly executed a sharp, descending turn to the left. The aircraft impacted a field adjacent to the Vliegveldstraat road. The pilot sustained 1 fatal injury at the scene.
The investigation
AAIU(Be) investigators analyzed witness statements, CCTV footage, and aircraft maintenance records. The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical state, specifically noting a previously reported issue with a stuck fuel float that the pilot had chosen not to repair. The investigators also reviewed the aircraft's design, noting that as an amateur-built machine, it lacked standard certification for energy absorption or containment during impacts. Meteorological data confirmed stable weather conditions with light winds and no significant visibility issues at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an operational loss of control.
- The sudden leftward descent was likely caused by a momentary loss of control, potentially due to a left-wing stall.
- While a partial loss of engine power could not be entirely dismissed, video evidence suggested the aircraft remained controllable under such conditions, meaning power loss alone does not explain the crash.
- The aircraft's design provided limited protection to the occupant during the high-energy impact.
- There was no requirement within the existing maintenance program for the inspection or overhaul of the single magneto, which is a critical ignition component.