What happened
On August 15, 2019, a FREE BIRD PICA 2 ultralight aircraft, registration EP-1390, operated by Boland Parvaz Khavar, was conducting a training evaluation flight near Ivanki Airport. The flight was led by an experienced instructor and a student pilot undergoing UL PPL training.
Following an initial 45-minute flight segment, the crew commenced a second flight phase. After departing from runway 18, the aircraft climbed to a heading of 01 degrees. The instructor requested a simulated engine failure maneuver to practice landing on the opposite runway (runway 40). During this procedure, while at an altitude of approximately 411 feet, the aircraft entered a high angle of bank during a right-hand turn. This maneuver induced a stall and spin condition. The aircraft struck the ground approximately 411 meters from the threshold of runway 40, just outside the airport perimeter fence, and subsequently caught fire.
There were two fatalities, involving both the instructor and the student pilot. The aircraft was destroyed by the post-impact fire.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight history, aircraft maintenance records, and the training procedures of the operator. Investigators reviewed the student's training progress, noting that while the student had completed ground school and several flight hours, they had not yet practiced engine failure simulations with this specific instructor.
The investigation also looked into the design limitations of the FREE BIRD PICA 2. It was noted that previous test pilots had reported handling difficulties, suggesting the aircraft might not be suitable for solo training for inexperienced students. Furthermore, the investigation reviewed the organizational structure of the flight school and the coordination between instructors and operations personnel.