The aircraft was introduced at the AERO Friedrichshafen 2011 show, where the retractable gear version was shown.[4][5][6]
Design and development
The aircraft was designed to comply with both European microlight rules and also the US light-sport aircraft regulations, by using different versions for each regulatory environment.[2][3][4]
After 42 examples had been completed, the aircraft was introduced into the US market in September 2011 at the AOPA Summit.[2] By 31 December 2020, the company reported over 600 had been delivered.[1]
Variants
Bristell NG 5 LSA
Bristell NG 5 UL
Base ultralight model with an 8.13m (26.7ft) wingspan and a gross weight of 472.5kg (1,042lb).[3][5]
Bristell NG 5 HD
Heavy duty model with an 8.13m (26.7ft) wingspan, heavier duty wing spars and a gross weight of 600kg (1,323lb).[3]
Bristell NG 5 LSA
Model for the US light-sport aircraft category with an 9.13m (30.0ft) wingspan and a gross weight of 600kg (1,323lb).[3][4][5]
Bristell NG 5 RG
Retractable gear model with an 9.13m (30.0ft) wingspan and a gross weight of 600kg (1,323lb).[3][4][5]
Bristell NG 5 Speed Wing
Homebuilt variant supplied as a kit which can be completed with either tricycle or conventional landing gear and a choice of engine: Rotax 912S, Rotax 912ULS or Jabuiru 3300A.[8]
Accidents and incidents
Bristell NG 5 has had a number of crashes and serious accidents, including fatal accidents.[9][10][11]
Centre of gravity and spin accidents
In February 2020, the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority released a safety notice advising of a number of fatal accidents globally involving spins and stalls of Bristell LSAs. The safety notice states "aircraft may not meet the LSA standards as it does not appear to have been adequately tested" and that "the manufacturer has been unable to provide satisfactory evidence that the design is compliant with the requirements of the ASTM standards applicable to light sport aircraft."[12] The company contested the CASA notice and claims that spin testing was conducted, although the manufacturer prohibits the design from intentional spins.[13] CASA indicated on 28 February 2020 that "further investigation and discussions with the manufacturer are ongoing and CASA will provide an update as new information becomes available."[14]
The Irish Air Accident Investigation Unit report in May 2022 on the crash of an NG 5 Speed Wing in June 2019, resulting in the death of the two occupants, and found that incorrect weight and balance information supplied by the manufacturer was a contributory factor to the crash and recommended that BRM Aero revise and enhance the operating guidelines for the aircraft.[15][16]
On 21 June 2021 CASA issued a notice indicating that the manufacturer had provided data on spin testing and had also amended its weight and balance information provided to builders and owners, including changing the datum from the wing leading edge to the engine firewall. CASA indicated that the amended weight and balance limits and new datum adequately addressed the safety concerns previously raised and "provided operators of the aircraft only operate the aircraft in compliance with the corrected AOI data, CASA considers that the potential for inadvertent operation of the aircraft at or outside the centre of gravity limits is substantially reduced."[17]
On 12 April 2025, a Bristell NG 5 crashed on take-off from Bembridge Airport, with eyewitnesses reporting engine failure followed by rapid loss of altitude.
The aircraft departed at approximately 12:45 AEST and was carrying a 72-year-old pilot Gregory Vaughan, his 66-year-old partner Kim Worner, and their dog Molly. The alarm was raised at approximately 17:00 AEST on the evening of 3 August 2025.
The experienced pilot having previous experience on other aircraft, and was rather new to the Bristell NG5 S-LSA aircraft having owned it for three to four months before the disappearance.
A possible factor under consideration in such transitions is "negative transfer (memory)" where a pilot may unintentionally apply procedures from previously flown aircraft. This form of procedural interference can lead to incorrect actions in unfamiliar aircraft types, Other possible contributing factors in such accidents can include medical episodes, cockpit disorientation, or improper weight and balance. However, no conclusive evidence has confirmed any of these in this case. There was likely a loss of control of the aircraft. [19][20]
The aircraft was not equipped with ADS-B tracking, and no emergency beacon signal or a distress call had been received. It is believed a loss of control may have occurred, possibly related to a centre of gravity imbalance or an unintentional spin entry—both of which have been identified as safety concerns with the Bristell NG 5 model.[21]
The aircraft model was identified early through a leak on an aviation database before authorities publicly confirmed its type.[22]
Circulating images caused confusion; the designation RSCU330 was mistakenly associated with the missing aircraft, though it actually belonged to an Australian Maritime Safety Authority Challenger aircraft.
As of 5 August 2025, the aircraft and its occupants remain missing.
↑ Savickas, Edgaras (3 December 2024). "From 'doctors' plane' to fatalities in the sea – history of Lithuanian aviation disasters". Lithuanian National Radio and Television. Archived from the original on 10 March 2025. Retrieved 10 March 2025. On August 8, 2022, at 20:04, a Bristell UL HD ultralight aircraft went into a spin and crashed close to the village of Armaniškės in Kaunas District. "After a few laps at the aerodrome, the aircraft went into a spin and hit the ground. The impact resulted in a fire and the aircraft was destroyed," the report states. Both pilots were fatally injured in the crash.
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