What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2020-06-07 involved a DTA Dynamic – 15/430, registration 67BLZ, at Sarrebourg-Buhl, FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a steep approach path resulting from a turn initiated too close to the runway threshold, with the pilot's limited experience and potential medical impairment acting as contributing factors.

Microlight crashes during approach at Sarrebourg-Buhl

A solo cross-country flight ended in a fatal accident when a microlight entered a steep descent and collided with the ground during a turn.

What happened

On 7 June 2020, a DTA Dynamic microlight, registration 67BLZ, was conducting a cross-country flight as part of a group excursion from Batzendorf to Sarrebourg-Buhl. The pilot, who was performing his first solo long-distance flight to this specific aerodrome, arrived at the destination at approximately 18:07.

After performing a reconnaissance of the airfield at 1,800 ft, the pilot joined the downwind leg of a right-hand circuit for unpaved runway 22. During the descent, at an altitude of approximately 1,350 ft and roughly 700 meters from the runway threshold, the pilot initiated a right turn with an estimated bank angle of 30 degrees. This turn was maintained in a continuous descent. As the aircraft progressed through the turn, the descent rate increased significantly, resulting in a steep approach path. The aircraft eventually collided with the ground in a private garden, causing the fatal injury of the pilot and the destruction of the microlight.

The investigation

The BEA examined the wreckage and flight data retrieved from a tablet used for navigation. Technical analysis of the 67BLZ confirmed that the aircraft was intact upon impact, the flight control linkages were functional, and the engine was transmitting power to the propeller at the moment of collision. No mechanical anomalies were found in the propulsion system or the airframe.

The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience and medical history. The pilot had obtained his license in December 2019 and had limited solo flight hours following his certification. Additionally, a post-mortem examination revealed a pre-existing heart condition that could have potentially caused the pilot to feel faint during the flight.

Findings

The pilot initiated the turn toward final approach at an altitude and distance that resulted in a steep descent path.
The pilot continued the descent and the turn, leading to the ground impact.
The pilot's limited flight experience and the fact that this was his first solo long-distance flight to this aerodrome may have contributed to inadequate path management.
The investigation could not definitively determine if the continued turn was intentional—such as an attempt to delay landing due to perceived traffic—or the result of a loss of control. A medical episode involving the pilot's known heart condition could not be ruled out.