Fatal ultralight accident caused by canopy failure during initial climb

Casualties unknown • Plateforme ULM Fréjus, FR

A pilot was killed when the canopy of an Evektor Aerotechnik Team Eurostar opened during takeoff, leading to a loss of control and ground impact.

What happened

On September 24, 2015, at approximately 10:00 local time, an Evektor Aerotechnik Team Eurostar ultralight, identified as 73-OH, departed from the Fréjus ultralight platform for a flight to Fayence. During the initial climb, while the aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 100 feet over the end of the runway, the canopy opened. This caused the aircraft to pitch down sharply, resulting in a collision with the ground and a subsequent post-crash fire. The pilot was killed, and the aircraft was destroyed.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the canopy's locking mechanism and its behavior during the flight. The canopy is designed to tilt forward using struts and is held in the open position by dampers. The locking handle is located on the rear arch of the mobile section, using a hook and a spring-loaded security strip to secure it to the fixed frame.

Investigators examined the wreckage and found the mobile part of the canopy several meters ahead of the main debris, showing damage from the fire and impact. While the lateral struts and fittings were broken, the locking handle and its housing showed no signs of deformation. This led investigators to conclude that the canopy was not properly locked prior to takeoff.

Additionally, the investigation reviewed manufacturer service bulletins. A 201/12 bulletin had previously provided emergency procedures for accidental canopy openings, and a 2014 bulletin recommended upgrading composite frames to metal. The aircraft involved was equipped with a metal frame version that did not require the 2014 modification.

Findings

  • The pilot likely closed the canopy before takeoff but failed to engage the locking mechanism correctly.
  • Because the canopy was not secured, it began to open during the initial climb.
  • The pilot likely attempted to close the canopy while in flight, which led to a loss of control of the aircraft.
  • The lack of deformation on the locking handle suggests the failure was due to improper pre-flight securing rather than a mechanical failure of the handle itself.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the canopy of the ultralight failing to remain closed during the initial climb, likely because the pilot failed to properly lock it before takeoff, leading to a loss of aircraft control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-09-24 aircraft accident near Plateforme ULM Fréjus, FR?

A pilot was killed when the canopy of an Evektor Aerotechnik Team Eurostar opened during takeoff, leading to a loss of control and ground impact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-09-24 involved a aircraft, registration 73-OH, at Plateforme ULM Fréjus, FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the canopy of the ultralight failing to remain closed during the initial climb, likely because the pilot failed to properly lock it before takeoff, leading to a loss of aircraft control.

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