2015 Montalva I accident at Aeroclub de Minas (CX-MJB-X)

Accident Overview and Fatal Outcome On 18 September 2015, an ultralight aircraft crashed at the Aeroclub de Minas in the Lavalleja Department of Uruguay. The aircraft, identified in the source as a Montalva I autogyro with registration CX-MJB, was the sole property of Village Dayman SRL. The sole occupant, the pilot, suffered severe injuries and later died at the scene. The accident resulted in significant damage to the aircraft, particularly its structure, rotor, and propeller, with no reported damage to third parties. ## Investigation and Aircraft Details The investigation was conducted by the Comisión Investigadora de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviación (C.I.A.I.A.) under Uruguay's Ministry of National Defense. The aircraft, built in 1987, was originally registered in Brazil as PP-ZLH before being regularized in Uruguay in 2004. The pilot, a Uruguayan male born in 1949, held a private pilot license and an ultralight student pilot license. He had received flight instruction on the autogyro in 2004. The investigation noted that the pilot had not renewed his medical and psychological certifications due to a hearing condition. ## Operational Context and Final Movements The aircraft had been hangared at the Aeroclub de Minas since 3 September 2015. The owner had occasionally visited to start the engine and move along the runways to ensure proper operation. On the day of the accident, the pilot was observed moving along runway 23, lifting off, and then deviating to the right after crossing the runways, where it impacted the terrain. Witnesses assisted the pilot, and emergency medical services attended the scene. The source states that the accident occurred during daylight hours and the aircraft was damaged heavily.