Accident Overview
On 1 July 2024, approximately 1154 local time, a Savannah S ultralight aircraft (registration WR2711) operated by the Taiwan Air Leisure and Development Association (Tayea) crashed while landing at the Wuri activity site in Taichung City. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The operator received minor injuries; the passenger suffered serious injuries.
Flight Path and Sequence
The aircraft departed from runway 13 at 1138 for a flight over designated ultralight zones. On return, it entered a final approach to runway 13. At 1153:56, while on a left base leg approximately 324 meters from the runway threshold at 58.5 meters MSL, the aircraft rolled left. At about 215 meters from the threshold and 50.8 meters altitude, the left wingtip struck treetops east of the runway centerline extension. The aircraft then rotated counterclockwise approximately 360 degrees before crashing into trees about 190 meters north-northwest of the runway threshold.
Aircraft and Operator Details
The accident aircraft was a fixed-wing Savannah S (serial 22-01-54-0848) manufactured by ICP srl in 2022. It had a Rotax 912 ULS engine and a three-blade carbon fiber propeller. The operator, a 67-year-old male, held an expired ultralight instructor certificate (valid until 27 June 2024). He reported 5,446.1 total flight hours, including 2,161 hours on military aircraft. The aircraft's weight and balance were within limits (takeoff weight 482 kg, CG 30.8%).
Weather Conditions
At the time, the Wuri area was under Pacific high pressure with prevailing southwesterly winds. Nearby automated weather stations reported wind directions of 200–250°, speeds 3–10 knots, and gust maxima 14–20 knots. At the activity site, a windsock indicated wind from about 130° at 3–6 knots. Visibility was 10 km or more, with no cloud ceiling. Temperature was 35°C.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed no pre-impact mechanical anomalies. The flight control systems (flaperon, elevator, rudder) were functional when tested. The engine was examined; all cylinders had compression, spark plugs showed normal combustion, and no internal damage was found. Audio analysis of onboard videos showed that the engine was producing power normally until impact. The aircraft's Garmin G5 display was not recording flight data.
Post-Accident Actions
Tayea did not notify the Taiwan Transportation Safety Board (TTSB) or the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) after the accident as required. Instead, the association moved the wreckage to its hangar, partially dismantled the aircraft, and discarded some damaged components. The TTSB learned of the accident from a non-member on 11 July and classified it as a major accident, initiating an investigation.
Regulatory Context
The operator's certificate had expired. The Wuri activity site has a 90-meter grass runway. The Tayea operations manual limits crosswind to 15 knots for the Savannah S. No evidence suggested pilot impairment from alcohol or drugs.