What happened
On May 6, 2023, at approximately 18:00 UTC, a Vans RV-7, registration LV-X722, was participating in an airshow at the Aeroclub Allen airfield in the province of Río Negro. Following a sequence of aerobatic maneuvers, the aircraft performed a low-altitude flyover. During this maneuver, the right wingtip struck the ground. Despite the impact, the pilot maintained control of the aircraft and successfully completed a landing. The aircraft sustained significant damage to the right wingtip and the wing structure.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the JST, revealed that the accident was not reported to the authorities in a timely manner; investigators first became aware of the event through social media photographs.
While the pilot held a valid private pilot license, they did not possess the required aerobatic endorsement under the Argentine Civil Aviation Regulations (RAAC). Furthermore, neither the pilot nor the aircraft LV-X722 were included in the official list of authorized participants for the airshow. Although ANAC personnel were present for oversight, there were no effective control measures in place to prevent unauthorized aircraft from performing maneuvers.
Findings
- The aircraft wingtip struck the terrain during a low-altitude pass.
- The flight path brought the aircraft within 250 meters of the spectator area, violating safety distance requirements.
- The pilot lacked the required aerobatic flight endorsement.
- The aircraft and pilot were not authorized participants in the event.
- Safety planning and oversight failed to prevent the participation of unauthorized personnel and aircraft.
Safety action
- Organizers of airshows must strictly adhere to established safety planning to ensure adequate separation between flight maneuvers and the public.
- Effective supervision mechanisms must be implemented to ensure that only authorized pilots and aircraft participate in scheduled aviation events.