What happened
On August 8, 2016, at approximately 10:40 a.m., a RANS S12 ultralight aircraft, registration UL-011-HI, crashed in the municipality of San Rafael del Yuma, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic. The aircraft, operated by a private owner and registered through the North West Palma Aero Club, was performing a recreational flight when the accident occurred. The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, sustained minor injuries, while the aircraft suffered major structural damage.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation was significantly hindered by the fact that the aircraft wreckage was removed from the accident site before investigators arrived or authorized the movement. Consequently, the wreckage was inspected at the operator's hangar, and the investigators were unable to perform a full analysis of the material factors or the specific attitude of the aircraft at the moment of impact due to the contamination of evidence.
According to the pilot's statements, the flight was intended to be a local recreational flight. After takeoff, the pilot executed a right-hand turn at a low airspeed, which led to a loss of lift and subsequent impact with the ground near the takeoff area. Meteorological conditions at the time were reported as optimal, with scattered clouds, good visibility, and light winds.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to execute a turn at a low airspeed, resulting in a loss of lift, was identified as a contributing factor.
- The removal of the aircraft wreckage from the scene without authorization prevented a complete analysis of the mechanical and material factors involved in the crash.
- The terrain, characterized by flat land and local shrubbery, helped mitigate the impact force, preventing more severe injuries and further aircraft destruction.