What happened
On 28 May 2021, a DTA Magic microlight, identified as 30SR, was performing a local flight at the Vairé microlight strip. During the final approach to runway 13, the aircraft struck the tops of trees located approximately 90 meters before the runway threshold. Following the impact with the vegetation, the aircraft collided with the ground about 15 meters from the trees. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the microlight was destroyed.
The investigation
The investigation examined the wreckage, the site, and the pilot's flight data retrieved from a mobile phone. The aircraft, which featured a BMW K1200S engine, was found to be in a functional state; the engine power control linkage was operational, and the propeller indicated the engine was running until the ground impact. The emergency parachute had not been deployed.
Analysis of the flight path via GNSS data from the pilot's navigation application revealed that while the initial descent began at 150 meters, the approach slope steepened approximately 200 meters before reaching the runway threshold. The investigation also noted that the Vairé strip's runway 13 requires an approach slope of more than 11% to clear the trees if the threshold is used as the aiming point, a margin that does not account for necessary safety clearance.
Findings
Investigators concluded that the pilot was likely practicing for passenger-carrying privileges, which involves mastering short landings using reduced engine power. This technique necessitates a steeper approach slope. The investigation determined that the steepening of the approach slope prevented the aircraft from clearing the trees at the edge of the woods. Furthermore, the lack of any recorded evasive maneuvers suggests the pilot may not have perceived the impending collision with the vegetation.