What happened
On June 30, 2024, a Shock Ultra ultralight aircraft, registration JU8889, was involved in an accident in the Tsagaan Shokhoi Am area of Erdene Soum, Töv Province. The pilot had conducted a pre-flight inspection and departed the flight center with one passenger, the pilot's son. After a brief flight, the pilot contacted flight communications at approximately 19:08, stating an intention to land near the Geo Mandala recreation area. The aircraft subsequently crashed at coordinates N49˚51 13, E107˚ 37 02.
During the flight, the pilot performed maneuvers at an extremely low altitude, approximately 10 to 15 meters above the ground. During a turn, the aircraft's airspeed dropped to or below the maneuver stall speed, causing the nose to drop and resulting in a stall. Due to the minimal altitude, the pilot was unable to recover the aircraft before impact.
The investigation
The investigation examined the wreckage and flight history, establishing that the aircraft sustained extensive damage, rendering the airframe unrepairable. The propeller blades were broken and scattered, and the engine cowling and radiator were damaged upon impact. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting that while the pilot held a valid private pilot license for ultralight aircraft, they had not undergone specific theoretical or practical training for this particular Shock Ultra model.
Furthermore, the investigation identified several regulatory and operational deficiencies. The aircraft lacked an operational checklist, emergency procedures, and color-coded markings on instruments. Additionally, the aircraft was configured with a dual seat, but the rear seat did not allow for the proper monitoring of flight instruments. The investigation also noted that the civil aviation authority had not exercised oversight regarding the regulation and control of this ultralight operation.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a stall occurring during a low-altitude maneuver.
- The pilot was operating at an altitude of only 10–15 meters, leaving insufficient margin for recovery.
- The aircraft lacked essential flight documentation, including an operational checklist and emergency procedures.
- The pilot had not received specific training or experience regarding the stall characteristics of the Shock Ultra.
- The aircraft lacked a stall warning system and proper color-coded instrument markings.
- The aircraft was carrying a passenger in a rear seat that prevented effective monitoring of flight parameters.
Safety action
- The investigation recommended that the Civil Aviation Authority of Mongolia (CAA) implement a classification system for ultralight aircraft based on maximum takeoff weight (below 600 kg) and stall speed.
- Recommendations were made to establish a system for the CAA to monitor the training and medical certification of ultralight pilots.
- The CAA was advised to organize stall prevention and center of gravity calculation training for small and ultralight aircraft pilots.
- A recommendation was issued to prohibit the carriage of passengers in rear seats that do not allow for the monitoring of flight instruments.