What happened
On July 1, 2024, at approximately 11:54 local time, a Savannah S ultralight aircraft, registration WR2711, was performing a landing at the Wuri activity site in Taichung. The aircraft, operated by the Taiwan Taiya Aviation Leisure, Tourism and Development Association, was on final approach to runway 13 with two occupants on board.
During the approach, the aircraft experienced a sudden left roll. At an altitude of approximately 50.8 meters, the left wingtip struck the treetops located east of the runway centerline. The aircraft entered a counter-clockwise spin and crashed into a wooded area near the riverbank. The impact resulted in one serious injury to the passenger, while the pilot sustained minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
The Taiwan Transportation Safety Board (TTSB) investigation revealed that the aircraft's engine was functioning normally prior to the impact. Analysis of flight video and engine audio confirmed that the engine remained operational until the moment of impact. However, the investigation noted that the operator failed to report the accident to the authorities immediately. Instead, the association moved the wreckage from the site and dismantled parts of the damaged aircraft before the investigation could begin.
Investigators also examined the airfield's safety parameters. While the association maintained a grass runway longer than 240 meters, the officially registered runway length was only 90 meters. Furthermore, the investigation found that the aircraft's performance requirements for the Savannah S were not adequately met by the registered runway length, which had been originally planned for a smaller aircraft type.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the aircraft deviating from its flight path due to localized turbulence or wind shear caused by environmental factors, leading the left wing to strike trees.
- The association failed to manage the vegetation near the approach and transition zones, allowing trees to grow into the required clearance area.
- The pilot was operating with an expired instructor certificate.
- The association's management of the airfield was inadequate, specifically regarding the mismatch between the registered runway length and the actual performance requirements of the Savannah S, as well as the failure to maintain required obstacle clearance zones.
- The Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) oversight regarding the review and inspection of the airfield's safety clearance and operational consistency was insufficient.