Accident Details
On 16 October 2021, at approximately 12:15 p.m. local time (18:15 UTC), a VAN'S Aircraft RV4, registration UL-TI-095, departed for a private recreational touch-and-go flight within the circuit of Aranjuez Aerodrome (MRAJ) in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. The aircraft was occupied by the pilot and a passenger, who was the owner of the aircraft. According to witnesses, around 1:00 p.m. local time (19:00 UTC), while on short final approach to the runway, the pilot executed an abrupt semi-acrobatic maneuver. This caused a degradation of aerodynamic performance, leading to a loss of control. The aircraft fell and collided with a ditch containing a stream. The accident occurred during daylight hours under visual flight rules (VFR).
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a VAN'S Aircraft RV4, classified as a fixed-wing ultralight, manufactured by VAN'S Aircraft. It was powered by a Lycoming O-360-A4K engine. The aircraft was privately operated and used for sport and recreation.
Injuries and Damage
Both occupants—a 57-year-old male Mexican pilot and a male Canadian passenger (naturalized Costa Rican)—were transported to a hospital in serious condition (categorized as yellow). The aircraft sustained major damage to its fuselage, wings, empennage, propeller, and engine. No evidence of fire was found before or after impact. Minor environmental damage occurred due to fuel and oil spillage into a stream.
Investigation
The investigation, conducted by the Unidad de Accidentes e Incidentes Aéreos (UAI) of the Costa Rican Civil Aviation Technical Council (CETAC), is approximately 65% complete. Efforts to interview the passenger (aircraft owner) were unsuccessful. The factual chapter of the final report has been completed, and work continues on analysis, conclusions, and safety recommendations. The final report will be published on the DGAC website after approval.