What happened
On June 22, 2015, a Tecnam P2004 Bravo microlight, registration 13-XE, departed from the Tournus Cuisery aerodrome for a local flight. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot began a downwind leg for runway 01, but witnesses observed the aircraft deviating from its usual pattern, suggesting an unplanned decision to terminate the flight early. During the final approach, the aircraft was seen pitching downward toward the ground. The aircraft struck a grassy area approximately 90 meters before the threshold of runway 01 with a high nose-down attitude and low horizontal speed. The impact ruptured the fuel tanks, and the resulting intense fire prevented rescuers from extracting the occupants. The pilot and one passenger both sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
The BEA examined the wreckage and the flight path, noting that the aircraft's flaps were retracted at the time of impact. While the fire caused significant damage to the airframe, an inspection of the available flight controls revealed no mechanical anomalies. The engine was still running at the moment of impact, though it was not producing high power. The investigation also looked into the pilot's recent history, noting he had recently transitioned to this specific aircraft and had undergone several instructional flights. Medical examinations of the pilot did not reveal any immediate cause for the accident, though investigators noted the pilot had recently undergone a medical procedure and was dealing with personal bereavement.
Findings
- The aircraft likely experienced a stall during the final approach.
- The aircraft was operating at a high mass, estimated at approximately 530 kg, which increased the stall speed compared to the standard maximum takeoff weight for this class of microlight.
- The use of a retracted flap configuration, combined with the high mass, necessitated a higher approach speed that was not maintained.
- The aircraft was not equipped with a stall warning device, making it difficult for the pilot to perceive the onset of the stall, especially during a potentially stressful interrupted approach.
- The aircraft struck the ground at a low altitude, leaving insufficient margin for the pilot to recover control.