Alberto Porto Was Attempting a Speed Record in His Risen 916iSV Ultralight

On February 28, the CEO and Chairman of Porto Aviation Group encountered an emergency in his Risen 916iSV ultralight while attempting to set another new speed record. Damage to the aircraft suggests that a bird strike may be to blame for the accident.

Flight tracking data shows that the aircraft, a Porto Risen 916iSV registered as I-X068, took off from Alzate Brianza Airport (ILB) at around 7:15 am. It traveled approximately 85 miles northwestbound towards Caiolo, Italy, while attempting to certify a new top airspeed of 450 km/h (243 kts).

At around 8:10 am, the aircraft was reportedly struck by a bird. The impact shattered the canopy, while fragments hit the two occupants in the face. The injuries likely made an emergency landing difficult, though it seems that the pilot had extended the flaps and landing gear to attempt it. The onboard emergency parachute was deployed to slow the descent.

The Rotax 916-powered plane landed upside-down in the trees against a stone wall, just a short distance from several houses. Emergency services were rapidly dispatched to the crash site and were able to pull both occupants from the wreckage.

The pilot, 58-year-old Alberto Porto, and his 43-year-old wife suffered significant injuries but survived. One was stabilized and airlifted to a Bergamo hospital, and the other was transported by ambulance.

Alberto Porto is the CEO and Chairman of Porto Aviation Group, which designed and produced the Risen 916iSV he was flying. Despite the aircraft’s recent debut, it has already left a mark on the community for its impressive performance, high efficiency, and sleek look. Alberto Porto set a record in the Risen last summer by completing an 11-hour transatlantic crossing without refueling.

FMI: www.flyrisen.com