What happened
On March 27, 2014, at 13:49, a homebuilt Jodel D18 aircraft, registration OH-XAC, departed Nummela aerodrome for a test flight. During the initial climb, the aircraft entered a sharp turn, which led to a stall and a subsequent impact with the ground. The accident resulted in one fatality and one serious injury. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash.
The investigation
The investigation by the Safety Investigation Authority examined both the flight sequence and the subsequent rescue operation. Investigators looked into the flight maneuvers, the coordination at the uncontrolled aerodrome, and the specific hazards encountered by emergency responders. The inquiry focused on how the presence of a pyrotechnic ballistic parachute system created an explosion risk for the rescue crew, noting that the markings warning of such a system were not clearly identifiable on the aircraft.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a turn performed at low altitude and low airspeed.
- It is possible the pilot executed the turn to avoid a perceived paraglider towing line.
- The flight crew's method of climbing at low speed in a clean configuration was a predisposing factor.
- Inadequate coordination at the uncontrolled aerodrome and the presence of flight activity on a runway previously reported as closed were contributing factors.
- During the rescue, the crew was unaware of the explosion risk posed by the aircraft's pyrotechnic recovery system because warning markings were insufficient or absent.
- There is a lack of awareness and specific training within the rescue sector regarding pyrotechnic systems used in general and sport aviation.
- The aircraft register does not currently indicate whether an aircraft is equipped with a rocket-propelled ballistic recovery system, meaning such systems can only be identified through physical inspection.