What happened
On March 30, 2019, at approximately 18:30 local time, a Pitts S1-11B aircraft, registered LV-X562, was involved in an incident during a demonstration flight in Canals, Córdoba Province. The aircraft was performing a low-altitude pass when the left wing made contact with the ground surface. The flight was part of non-commercial demonstration operations, originating from and returning to the Club de Planeadores Canals.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight path and the circumstances surrounding the aircraft's proximity to the terrain during its maneuvers. At the time of the event, meteorological conditions were reported as Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC). The investigation confirmed that the contact between the aircraft and the terrain occurred specifically on the left wing during the low-level passage.
Findings
- The primary factor in the incident was a wing strike caused by an excessively low-altitude pass.
- There were no injuries reported for the single occupant on board the aircraft.
- The aircraft sustained minor damage as a result of the contact with the ground.