What happened
On February 9, 2012, at approximately 08:30 a.m., a Flight Design CT (registration HI 763EX) was conducting takeoff and landing practice on runway 11 at Cibao International Airport in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. The aircraft, operated for private purposes, was being flown by a second-in-command acting under the supervision of the pilot in command.
During the final segment of the approach, the aircraft entered a stall due to a high level flight configuration combined with low engine power. The aircraft impacted the runway surface and veered to the left, traveling approximately 150 meters before the aircraft overturned and came to rest in an inverted position. Both occupants sustained minor injuries, primarily lacerations caused by broken plexiglass from the windshield and doors during their attempt to exit the wreckage.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, engine condition, and the flight crew's experience and actions. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's nose landing gear was destroyed, the rear fuselage was broken, and there was significant damage to the wingtips, wing leading edges, and propeller blades. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's statements, noting that the pilot in command observed the airspeed dropping below 80 km/h and instructed the person flying to pitch the nose down and increase power, but these corrective actions were not effectively implemented before the stall occurred.
Findings
- The aircraft entered a stall during the approach phase due to insufficient airspeed and power.
- The pilot in command attempted to intervene when the airspeed dropped below 80 km/h, but the low speed rendered control inputs ineffective.
- The aircraft's nose gear, rear fuselage, and propeller blades suffered substantial damage upon impact and subsequent rollover.
- The crew members' injuries were limited to minor lacerations, as the aircraft's harness systems functioned correctly during the impact and inversion.