What happened
On January 21, 2020, a training flight involving a student and an instructor concluded with a fatal accident at Gjølstad Airport, Kongsvinger. The aircraft, a Dyn'Aéro MCR01-ULC with registration LN-YWE, entered a long final approach and touched down approximately halfway down the 700-meter runway.
Following touchdown, the student attempted to use the brakes, but the aircraft failed to decelerate sufficiently on the wet grass. The instructor took control to initiate a go-around; however, the aircraft veered to the left. During this maneuver, the left wing struck two vehicles that had been parked too close to the runway edge. The impact forced the aircraft into an adjacent field, where the uneven terrain caused the aircraft to flip onto its back. The instructor sustained fatal injuries, while the student escaped with minor physical injuries.
The investigation
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) examined the flight preparations, the aircraft's condition, and the operational procedures used during the landing. The investigation looked into the pilots' experience levels, the aircraft's weight, and the environmental factors at the time of the accident. Investigators also reviewed the safety systems maintained by the Norwegian Air Sports Association (NLF) Microlight Aviation Section.
Findings
Several critical factors contributed to the accident. The investigation established that the flight was not sufficiently planned and lacked a thorough briefing regarding landing techniques, aiming points, and go-around procedures. Furthermore, the crew failed to use standard checklists and did not set the flaps for landing.
Key contributing factors included:
- The instructor's limited experience with this specific aircraft type and a lack of recent instructional continuity.
- The aircraft was operating at an overweight condition, exceeding its maximum takeoff mass by 30.5 kg, which reduced its climbing capability.
- The pilots had parked their vehicles in a manner that created an obstacle near the runway.
- The landing was performed without following a standard landing pattern.
- The instructor initiated the go-around attempt too late to avoid the obstacle.
Safety action
The NSIA has issued a safety recommendation to the NLF Microlight Aviation Section, urging the establishment of new requirements regarding aircraft type check-outs and instructor continuity to prevent similar occurrences in the microlight community.