Accident Overview
On November 21, 2023, at 10:40 local time, a Pipistrel Virus SW 100 ultralight aircraft with registration HA-TAR was involved in an accident at Sárszentmihály-Úrhida Airport (LHUH). The flight was a training session conducted with an instructor and a student pilot. The intended exercise included cross-country navigation and radio communication practice.
Sequence of Events
After engine warm-up, the student initiated takeoff from Runway 06. During the takeoff roll, the student perceived a leftward pull that could not be corrected. The student decided to abort the takeoff, reduced power, and informed the instructor. The instructor then took control, reapplied power, and continued the takeoff. The aircraft veered left off the grassy runway, crossed a seeded field, lifted off from a plowed area while banking left, climbed to a few meters, traveled approximately 160 meters through the air, then rolled left and impacted the ground with the left wing and nose. Both occupants sustained serious injuries, and the aircraft was substantially damaged.
Investigation Findings
The investigation board (Vb) conducted a thorough examination including site inspection, interviews, retrieval of flight data from the onboard Dynon SkyView system, consultation with the system manufacturer, and inspection of the aircraft's brake, nosewheel steering, and control systems. Maintenance records were reviewed, and the flight path was reconstructed from ground marks and electronic data. No evidence of technical malfunction was found. Airport characteristics and meteorological conditions were determined to have no influence on the accident.
Probable Cause
The Vb identified the cause of the accident as a human factor: a flight technique error resulting from reduced situational awareness paired with incorrect decisions. Additionally, several contributing factors were identified, but no circumstances warranted safety recommendations.