What happened
On 7 February 2022, a paramotor takeoff occurred at a private microlight strip in Duvy. The pilot departed at approximately 16:17, initially heading northeast. After three minutes of flight, the aircraft reached a stabilized altitude of roughly 250 m, during which the pilot performed a right turn followed by a left turn at a ground speed of about 60 km/h.
At 16:21, the pilot lost control of the 60ADX microlight, resulting in a collision with the ground. An eyewitness reported seeing the wing fold, causing the aircraft to enter a spin and descend almost vertically. The impact resulted in the death of the pilot and substantial damage to the microlight.
The investigation
The investigation examined meteorological conditions, the mechanical state of the aircraft, and the pilot's medical history. At the time of the accident, Météo-France reported a wind from 270° at 20 km/h with light turbulence. While other pilots in the area had experienced more significant turbulence earlier in the afternoon, the conditions at the time of the accident were considered compatible with flight.
The aircraft, a Dudek Nucléon 4 reflex profile wing mounted on a P2air64 trike with a Vittorazzi engine, was inspected. The wing and rigging lines were found to be in excellent condition, though the trimmers were in the open (accelerated) position. No mechanical faults were identified in the engine or the airframe. The emergency parachute was not deployed.
Medical examinations of the pilot revealed advanced atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, including an obstruction, and fibrosis of the left ventricle. Additionally, the examination showed a loss of neurons in the cerebral cortex.
Findings
- The investigation could not definitively determine a single cause for the loss of control.
- The evidence is consistent with the occurrence of a cardiovascular accident, which may have been an undiagnosed pathology.
- The findings are also compatible with an inappropriate control input occurring in the context of diminished cognitive capacity.