An engine failure may have been the cause of a light aircraft that crashed into a house in the Guapiles District in Limón Province on Sunday morning.

According to the General Directorate of Civil Aviation, the accident that happened at 8:30 a.m. could have been caused by a failure in the plane's engine, which caused it to rapidly lose altitude and crash into a house. 

Specialists from the Incident and Accident Investigation Unit must first analyze and confirm the failed engine hypothesis.

On Sunday, experts were collecting pieces of the small plane similar to an AutoGyro MT-03 two-seat, single-engine light aircraft known as an ultralight, homebuilt kit, or light-sport aircraft. The parts recovered from the site will serve as evidence in the study.

Authorities confirm that the pilot, a 40-year-old man, was certified to fly the plane. His name was not released by authorities.

According to the Red Cross report, at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, an emergency call came in about a small aircraft falling on a house.  Two paramedic units were sent to attend the emergency and arrived at the scene in less than 5 minutes. Lifeguards immediately helped six people: the pilot, the co-pilot and four people who were inside the house at the time of the accident.

"Four men and two women were treated. Five people had minor injuries and received basic medical care at the scene and they were in good health. Only two men were taken to the Guapiles hospital."

Both, the pilot and a man surnamed Jiménez-Arias, who traveling on the light aircraft, were taken to the Guapiles Hospital in stable condition.

Firefighters' emergency experts from Limón Station were in charge of checking that the small plane had no fuel leaks.

The incident caused damage to the main gate of the house, as well as to a vehicle that was parked inside the property.

----------------
What have you heard about ultralight aircraft tours in your community? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments news@amcostarica.com