What happened
On 24 July 2019, an Evektor EV97 Eurostar, registered G-SJES, was performing a cross-country flight from the United Kingdom toward Italy. The aircraft was leading a formation of three Taylor Monoplanes. After circling above Larche to allow the following aircraft to reach a pre-planned altitude of 7,000 ft, the group entered a valley east of Larche.
Shortly after entering the valley, the pilots realized they had deviated from their intended route and were heading toward terrain they could not clear. While the pilot of the G-SJES and two of the Monoplane pilots attempted to turn around, the pilot of a third Monoplane, registered G-AWGZ, was forced to perform an emergency landing after striking a mound. During the subsequent attempt by the G-SJES to turn back and check on the downed aircraft, the pilot executed a steep turn at low speed. The ultralight entered a spin and struck the ground, resulting in two fatalities.
The investigation
The BEA examined the wreckage of the G-SJES and found no mechanical anomalies; the engine, fuel system, and flight controls were all functional at the time of impact. The investigation also reviewed flight data from the aircraft's FLARM system and interviewed the surviving pilots. The investigators noted that none of the pilots involved had specific experience in mountain flight operations. The investigation also looked into the meteorological conditions, which were clear with no significant turbulence.
Findings
Several factors contributed to the fatal accident:
- The pilot of the G-SJES likely became disoriented after the circling maneuver, leading to the entry into the incorrect valley.
- The following Monoplane pilots failed to detect the navigational error, relying on the lead aircraft for guidance.
- The pilot's limited flight experience, combined with the stress of the nearby forced landing, likely led to an inappropriately controlled steep turn.
- The absence of a stall warning system on the Evektor EV97 may have prevented the pilot from reacting to the developing loss of control.
- The lack of a visible natural horizon, a common challenge in mountain flying, contributed to the loss of control.