What happened
On August 14, 2009, a Beechcraft BE-99, registration F-BTME, was conducting skydiving operations near the Évora aerodrome (LPEments) for the company Skydive. The aircraft, operated by Avioarte Serviços Aéreos, Lda, departed from runway 01 at 18:47 with one pilot and twelve equipped parachutists on board. The flight was intended to climb to 13,000 feet for the jump.
During the climb, at approximately 9,500 feet, the aircraft experienced a flame-out of the number one engine, which triggered the automatic feathering of the propeller. The pilot ceased the climb at roughly 10,500 feet and notified the passengers that the jump would occur at a lower altitude due to the engine failure. While most passengers exited the aircraft, one individual returned to the cockpit and remained on board with the pilot.
As the aircraft approached the aerodrome for a landing, the pilot contacted the tower on the left base leg for runway 01 but did not disclose the engine failure or request assistance. The aircraft maintained a high speed with the landing gear extended and flaps set at 13 degrees. The aircraft performed a low pass over the runway without making contact with the ground. After passing the runway end, the pilot increased power on the remaining engine, but the aircraft began deviating to the left.
Witnesses observed the aircraft performing a sudden maneuver, described as a left roll with the landing gear pointing upward. The aircraft subsequently struck a residential building on Maria Auxiliadora street in the Almeirim residential area, approximately 1,160 meters from the runway end. The impact caused a fire that consumed the wreckage. The accident resulted in 13 fatalities.
Findings
- The flight experienced an engine flame-out during the initial climb phase.
- The aircraft failed to complete a controlled landing at the aerodrome, instead deviating from its flight path toward a residential area.