What happened
On July 24, 2015, at approximately 16:00 local time, an Autoplum ultralight, identified as 54-KP, departed from the Fresnes-en-Saulnois microlight airfield for a local flight. The aircraft was operated by a private pilot who was accompanied by one passenger.
During the flight, the pilot was performing a series of level turns. An eyewitness reported hearing fluctuations in the engine RPM shortly after takeoff. Following these engine variations, the aircraft was observed descending toward the ground, briefly regaining some altitude before pitching down into a final descent that resulted in a collision with the terrain. The impact destroyed the aircraft and caused the deaths of both the pilot and the passenger.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft wreckage, the pilot's experience, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The pilot, the owner of the aircraft, had constructed the vehicle 19 years prior and had logged approximately 900 flight hours in this specific airframe. The passenger was also an experienced microlight pilot.
Meteorological data indicated a temperature of 29 °C with light winds, though the atmosphere was noted to be turbulent. Investigators examined the wreckage for evidence of mechanical failure; however, the extent of the damage caused by the impact limited the ability to perform a comprehensive technical assessment. No technical failures occurring prior to the impact were identified from the wreckage observations.