What happened
On May 10, 2008, an Aviat Husky A-1, registration OO-HUS, was involved in a fatal accident near the entrance to the castle of Harveng, Belgium. The aircraft, which was being presented to a potential buyer, had recently departed from EBZH. During the flight, witnesses observed the aircraft performing sharp, aerobatic-style turns at extremely low altitudes over the villages of Harmignately and Harveng.
While flying at tree-top level around the castle, the aircraft struck a tree located along the main road. The impact was severe: the aircraft hit the tree nose-first, causing the crankshaft to break at the propeller flange and liberating the propeller. The left wing was severed upon impact, while the remaining fuselage and right wing continued forward to crash near the castle gates. The two fatalities occurred instantly upon impact.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found no evidence of mechanical failure or structural issues prior to the collision. The engine was confirmed to be operational at the time of impact, and all engine controls were found in the appropriate positions. The aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness, and both occupants held valid pilot licenses and medical certificates.
Technical analysis of the propeller and crankshaft revealed that the fractures were solely the result of the extreme shear stress caused by the frontal impact with the tree. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's GPS unit, an EKP-IV, was installed in a non-certified manner on top of the instrument panel.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of situational awareness by the pilot while operating at a very low altitude.
- A contributing factor may have been the uncertified installation of a large GPS screen, which could have obstructed the forward view of the pilot in the front seat.
- The aircraft was flying significantly below the regulatory minimum elevation of 1,000 feet required for VFR flights over populated areas.