What happened
On August 28, 2021, at approximately 19:30 UTC, a The Airplane Factory Sling 2, registration LV-X662, was performing a training flight at the Círculo de Aviación in Pueblo Esther, Santa Fe. During the landing sequence on runway 09, the pilot attempted to execute a flare maneuver. However, the aircraft remained at a higher altitude than anticipated. In an attempt to correct the flight path and complete the landing, the pilot lowered the nose. This maneuver resulted in an abnormal contact with the runway, causing the nose landing gear to collapse and a propeller blade to break.
The two occupants of the aircraft were able to exit the aircraft on their own and sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the landing phase of an experimental aircraft undergoing its Phase I flight testing period. The LV-X612 was a kit-built aircraft with only 14 flight hours accumulated since its new status. Under its special airworthiness certificate, the aircraft was subject to specific operational limitations, including a restriction on carrying passengers unless essential to the flight purpose.
Investigators examined the pilot's actions and the aircraft's performance. The pilot, a private pilot with approximately 175 total flight hours, reported that the aircraft felt fast and remained high during the flare. The investigation also reviewed the complexities of Phase I testing, which requires amateur builders to identify flight characteristics and establish safe operating parameters for an unfamiliar aircraft.
Findings
- The accident occurred during a training flight while the experimental aircraft was in its Phase I testing phase.
- There were no mechanical failures or technical malfunctions reported during the flight.
- The pilot's decision to lower the nose to compensate for excessive altitude during the flare led to the abnormal runway contact.
Safety action
- The investigation highlighted the importance of providing adequate training for amateur builders before they conduct Phase I flight testing for experimental aircraft.