Loss of control during approach leads to fatal microlight accident in France

Casualties unknown • Saint-Junien, FR

A Pioneer 200 microlight crashed into trees and the ground during a local flight at Saint-Junien, resulting in one fatality.

What happened

On 30 October 2019, a Pioneer 200 microlight, registration 87FR, was performing local flight maneuvers at Saint-Junien aerodrome in Haute-Vienne, France. The pilot, an instructor, was conducting a re-familiarization flight following a medical hiatus. The aircraft was accompanied by a passenger.

After completing an initial runway circuit and a short flight to the Saint-Pardels-la-Rivière microlight platform, the pilot returned to Saint-Junien to perform further circuits. Following a successful touch-and-go on runway 07, the pilot reported being on the downwind leg and intended to turn onto the base leg. During the final approach, the aircraft lost control, striking the tops of trees approximately 15 meters tall. The aircraft then descended vertically, crashing 530 meters from the runway 07 threshold. The impact resulted in one fatality.

The investigation

The BEA examined the wreckage, site vegetation, and the pilot's GNSS data from a handheld tablet. The investigation established that the aircraft struck the trees in a steep, nose-down attitude while inverted. The examination of the engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions.

Analysis of the GNSS data showed that the final approach was conducted at a steeper slope than standard, dropping below the required glide path approximately 1 km from the threshold. Ground speeds during this final approach were recorded between 80 and 85 km/h. The investigation also reviewed meteorological data and medical findings from the passenger's autopsy.

Findings

Several factors contributed to the loss of control:

  • The pilot attempted to correct the steep approach slope by using asymmetric rudder inputs (sideslip). At the low speeds and high angle of attack present during this configuration, this maneuver likely disturbed the aerodynamic flow to the elevator, reducing its effectiveness.
  • The aircraft was not equipped with a stall warning device.
  • The presence of downdraughts during the final approach may have contributed to the instability.
  • Medical evidence suggested the passenger may have experienced an incapacitating heart rhythm disorder under stress, which could have contributed to the accident sequence.

Probable cause

The loss of control was likely caused by an inappropriate approach speed management and the use of a sideslip technique to correct a steep glide path, which, combined with potential downdraughts, led to an aerodynamic stall or loss of elevator effectiveness.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2019-10-30 Pioneer 200 accident near Saint-Junien, FR?

A Pioneer 200 microlight crashed into trees and the ground during a local flight at Saint-Junien, resulting in one fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2019-10-30 involved a Pioneer 200, registration 87FR, at Saint-Junien, FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of control was likely caused by an inappropriate approach speed management and the use of a sideslip technique to correct a steep glide path, which, combined with potential downdraughts, led to an aerodynamic stall or loss of elevator effectiveness.

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