Non-fatal Accident (80) – Bombardier CL-600-2D24 Regional Jet CRJ-900LR, N932XJ
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ/CYYZ), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
ASX Investigation | ||||
On the morning of February 15, 2025, a Flight Design CT-U aircraft registered as PU-MSM was involved in a fatal accident near the town of Quadra, in the interior of São Paulo, Brazil. The aircraft, a high-wing, tricycle-gear, ultralight model developed for recreational and sport flying, was privately owned and had taken off from Clube de Voo Aeroquadra, an aerodrome dedicated to light aviation activities. The planned flight was a routine local operation with the intention of returning to the departure airfield. At approximately 11:30 AM, the aircraft suffered an apparent loss of control and crashed into a sugarcane field along Estrada Municipal Zulmira Coelho Miranda de Oliveira, located roughly 10 kilometers from Itapetininga and Tatuí. The impact resulted in the immediate deaths of the two occupants on board. Their identities have not been disclosed in the initial reports. The Brazilian Corpo de Bombeiros and Defesa Civil were dispatched to the scene, where five rescue units worked to secure the crash site and assess the situation. The Flight Design CT series, including the CT-U variant, is known for its carbon fiber composite construction, light weight, and high maneuverability. It is commonly used for recreational flying, training, and light surveillance. Equipped with a Rotax 912ULS engine, the aircraft is capable of cruise speeds up to 130 knots and features a ballistic recovery parachute system (BRS) for emergency situations. However, there is no confirmation yet on whether this safety system was deployed prior to impact. Preliminary findings have not yet determined the exact cause of the crash. Investigators are considering several factors, including possible mechanical failure, pilot error, weather conditions, and potential loss of control. Given the aircraft’s design characteristics, a sudden stall or aerodynamic instability at low altitude could have contributed to the accident. Additionally, the rural location and presence of extensive sugarcane fields may have presented limited emergency landing options. Eyewitnesses did not report seeing any visible fire or explosion before impact, suggesting that engine failure or control loss may have been a factor rather than an in-flight structural failure. The aircraft’s last recorded movements are being analyzed to determine if it experienced any abnormal descent patterns or deviations from its intended course. The Brazilian aviation authorities (CENIPA) have taken over the official investigation and are expected to release a preliminary report in the coming weeks. The accident highlights the risks associated with light sport aviation, especially in rural areas where emergency landing zones are scarce. While the Flight Design CT series has been generally regarded as a safe and efficient ultralight aircraft, this incident underscores the importance of strict maintenance, thorough pre-flight checks, and constant situational awareness when operating such aircraft. Further analysis, including wreckage examination, flight logs, and pilot history, will be necessary to fully determine the sequence of events that led to the fatal crash. Investigators will also examine whether environmental conditions, such as wind patterns or visibility restrictions, played a role in the accident. The findings from this case may contribute to broader safety recommendations for light sport and ultralight aviation in Brazil and beyond. | ||||
Accident Information | ||||
Accident Location | Aircraft Fatalities 0 | Ground Fatalities 0 | Injured 21 |  |
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