What happened
On the evening of May 30, 2018, an ELA 07 R100 gyroplane, identified as 27ADO, departed from the L’Aigle - Saint-Michel aerodrome for a return flight to Saint André de l’Eure. The pilot had spent the afternoon at the L’Aigle club house, where he had been joined by other pilots.
Following his departure around 22:00, the aircraft disappeared. After the disappearance was reported the following day, a large-scale search operation was launched. On June 2, the wreckage was located at the edge of a wooded area bordering a wheat field. The pilot, a 6/1 experienced aviator, sustained fatal injuries upon impact.
The investigation
The BEA investigation focused on reconstructing the flight path and examining the aircraft and pilot conditions. While radar data did not track the 27ADO, investigators used cellular tower data from the pilot's mobile phone to establish a timeline and approximate flight path. This data indicated that the pilot had deviated from the direct route and moved away from major roads that could have served as visual landmarks.
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the flight controls were functional prior to impact, the propeller was rotating when the aircraft first struck the treetops, and fuel was present in the system. No mechanical malfunctions were identified. An autopsy and toxicological analysis suggested that the pilot may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident, though the delay between the event and the analysis limited the certainty of these findings.
Findings
Several factors contributed to the fatal accident:
- The flight took place after nightfall, significantly reducing visibility.
- The pilot likely deviated from the intended direct route, losing visual reference to the ground.
- The pilot may have flown at a very low altitude to regain landmarks or to attempt an emergency landing in a field.
- Alcohol consumption prior to the flight likely impaired the pilot's vigilance and decision-making.
- The aircraft was not equipped with an emergency locator transmitter (ELT), which contributed to the three-day delay in locating the wreckage.