Fatal microlight crash near Montpezat d’Agenais following loss of control

Casualties unknown • French is the work of reference., FR

A Pioneer 200 S microlight crashed during an approach to a French airstrip, resulting in one fatality and one severe injury.

What happened

On 17 June 2023, a Pioneer 200 S microlight, identified as 12FS, was conducting a cross-country flight from Millau aerodrome to the Montpezat d’Agenais microlight strip. The pilot, who was the owner of the aircraft, was accompanied by a passenger. As the aircraft approached runway 33, the pilot communicated his intention to perform a full-stop landing.

During the approach, the pilot aborted the landing sequence. Witnesses on the ground and a nearby gyroplane pilot observed the aircraft flying at a low altitude with a nose-up attitude. As the aircraft transitioned from the downwind leg to the base leg, it entered a steep right bank accompanied by a steep nose-down attitude. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground, slid approximately 20 meters, and collided with a tree and a fence. The impact caused the aircraft to burst into flames, resulting in the death of the pilot and severe injuries to the passenger.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the wreckage, meteorological conditions, and witness statements. Investigators found that the aircraft struck the ground with a steep nose-down attitude and a shallow bank angle. Evidence from propeller fragments suggested the engine was still producing power at the moment of impact. While the aircraft's instruments could not be analyzed, the investigation examined the flight controls and the state of the emergency parachute. The parachute's ballistic charge had been activated by the post-crash fire rather than by manual deployment by the crew.

Meteorological conditions at nearby aerodromes indicated good visibility and light winds. The passenger, an experienced pilot, noted that the pilot attempted to pull back on the control stick to regain altitude during the turn without increasing engine power. He also observed that the airspeed had decreased to approximately 70 km/h.

Findings

  • The pilot likely failed to monitor the airspeed indicator during the maneuver.
  • The aircraft likely experienced a stall during the turn toward the base leg.
  • The pilot attempted to regain altitude by pulling back on the stick without a corresponding increase in power, leading to a loss of airspeed.
  • The aircraft's stall speed in a flaps-retracted configuration is 80 km/h, which was below the observed speed of 70 km/h.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a loss of control during the approach, likely resulting from an aerodynamic stall when the pilot attempted to climb during a turn without increasing engine power.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2023-06-17 ALPI AVIATION - Pioneer 200 S accident near French is the work of reference., FR?

A Pioneer 200 S microlight crashed during an approach to a French airstrip, resulting in one fatality and one severe injury.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2023-06-17 involved a ALPI AVIATION - Pioneer 200 S, registration 12FS, at French is the work of reference., FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a loss of control during the approach, likely resulting from an aerodynamic stall when the pilot attempted to climb during a turn without increasing engine power.

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