What happened
On July 6, 2014, at approximately 17:00 local time, an MXP-850 TUMACO ultralight aircraft, with no registration number, took off from the Santa María del Mar aerodrome in Lima, Peru. The aircraft was being operated by the Asociación Aeroclub Alas del Mar for recreational flight activities.
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot maintained a very low altitude, flying between 3 and 5 meters above the ground. After traveling approximately 500 meters, the pilot initiated a steep climb accompanied by a sharp left turn with a bank angle exceeding 90 degrees. During this maneuver, the aircraft suffered an aerodynamic stall and lost altitude, striking the roof of a facility at the aerodrome before impacting the ground.
The impact caused the pilot to be ejected from the aircraft, resulting in one fatality. The passenger remained inside the aircraft but sustained serious injuries. On-site personnel used extinguishers to prevent a fire and provided immediate assistance until medical teams arrived.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation established that the aircraft, which had only completed approximately 15 hours of flight time since its assembly, was in a reliable mechanical condition. The investigation ruled out engine failure, weight and balance issues, or adverse meteorological conditions, as the weather was clear with good visibility.
Investigators found that the aircraft was classified as a normal category ultralight, which prohibits aerobatic maneuvers and limits bank angles to a maximum of 60 degrees. The investigation also noted that the seatbelt anchorages failed during the impact, which contributed to the pilot being ejected and exacerbated the passenger's injuries.
Findings
- The pilot performed a high-performance aerobatic maneuver that exceeded the design limitations of the aircraft.
- The pilot's excessive confidence led to the execution of a prohibited maneuver, resulting in an aerodynamic stall.
- The structural weakness of the seatbelt anchorages caused the pilot to be thrown from the cockpit and contributed to the passenger's severe injuries.