What happened
On March 12, 2021, an EXP Volador II ultralight, registered as LV-X665, was performing a general aviation training flight departing from the Ayacucho Aerodrome. Shortly after takeoff, while the aircraft had reached an altitude of approximately 250 feet, the engine suffered a total loss of power.
In response to the sudden loss of propulsion, the pilot attempted an emergency landing in a nearby rural field. During the descent and landing maneuver, the aircraft struck a rural fence, resulting in significant damage to the airframe. There were no injuries reported among the crew or any other persons involved in the incident.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the engine failure and the subsequent impact with the fence. The aircraft was operating under visual meteorological conditions (VMC) for training purposes. The investigation established that the flight was in the takeoff phase when the mechanical failure occurred, necessitating the immediate transition to an emergency landing procedure.