What happened
On July 10, 2020, an ICP Savannah VG microlight, registration LN-YZU, crashed while attempting to land at Øian airport in Meråker, Norway. The flight was a type-check flight intended to qualify a student pilot on this specific aircraft model. During the final part of the approach, the aircraft lost control and collided with treetops, resulting in the death of the instructor and minor injuries to the student.
The investigation
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) examined the circumstances leading to the loss of control. The investigation focused on the preparation for the check flight, the flight procedures used during the landing circuit, and the instructor's training methods. Investigators also reviewed the aircraft's safety equipment, specifically the ballistic recovery parachute system (BRS), and the visibility of warning labels following the impact.
Findings
Several contributing factors were identified in the accident:
- The check flight was not prepared according to the required microlight aircraft handbook.
- The crew utilized non-standard procedures during the landing circuit.
- There was a lack of formal briefing and standardized preparation materials provided by the instructor prior to the flight.
- Significant variations in instructional methods were noted among different microlight instructors, which can lead to inconsistent training standards.
- The student pilot had limited experience with the specific aircraft type and was transitioning from high-wing to low-wing aircraft, involving unfamiliar control layouts.
Safety action
The NSIA has issued recommendations to the Civil Aviation Authority regarding the following:
- Ensuring closer oversight of the Norwegian Air Sports Federation (NLF) to verify that risk-reduction measures are implemented in training.
- Improving the placement of BRS warning labels, specifically recommending they be placed on the tail section to ensure visibility if the aircraft rests on its side.
- Establishing a national database for aircraft equipped with pyrotechnic or ballistic recovery equipment to assist emergency responders and investigators.