Microlight Pilot Killed After Collision with Power Lines Over Loue River

Casualties unknown • Courcelles, FR

A low-altitude flight involving a group of microlights ended in tragedy when the second aircraft in formation struck power lines near Courcelles, France.

What happened

On 21 August 2021, a fixed-wing microlight, registration 21AJD, crashed near Courcelles, France, resulting in the death of the pilot and the destruction of the aircraft. The flight was part of a group excursion intended to follow the Loue River. Due to poor weather forecasts for a planned trip to the Alps, the group of pilots opted for a local cross-country flight.

The aircraft was flying in a formation of three microlights, following a lead aircraft. Witnesses on the ground, including a group of kayakers, observed the aircraft flying at a very low altitude. The pilot of 21AJD was noted to be flying significantly lower than the lead aircraft and even descended further to wave at the people in the kayaks. During this maneuver, the aircraft's landing gear struck a 20 kV power line, causing the aircraft to pitch nose-down and strike the ground with high energy.

The investigation

The BEA investigation examined the wreckage, the site of the power lines, and statements from witnesses and the other pilots involved. The investigation established that the power lines in question were not signaled and were not indicated on aeronautical charts used for navigation. The pylons supporting the lines were either below the aircraft's flight path or obscured by vegetation, making them difficult to detect.

Investigators also analyzed the flight's organization. The group had not conducted a formal flight briefing, and the route was chosen based on the lead pilot's familiarity with the area rather than specific preparation. The investigation also looked into the psychological factors affecting the pilot's decision-making, including the impact of group dynamics and the pilot's emotional state during the flight.

Findings

  • The pilot failed to perceive the power lines or detected them too late to perform an avoidance maneuver.
  • The pilot's decision to descend to wave at bystanders significantly reduced the safety margin relative to the overhead obstacles.
  • A lack of safety culture was evident through the absence of a pre-flight briefing and the disregard for standard minimum flight heights.
  • The "group effect" likely contributed to a sense of invulnerability and a potential underestimation of risks.
  • The pilot appeared to be in a state of euphoria or high enthusiasm, which may have impaired his judgment and encouraged unusual risk-taking.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to avoid a power line while flying at an extremely low altitude, a situation exacerbated by a lack of flight preparation, the pursuit of social interaction with people on the ground, and a diminished sense of risk due to group dynamics.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2021-08-21 HUMBERT AVIATION - Tétras accident near Courcelles, FR?

A low-altitude flight involving a group of microlights ended in tragedy when the second aircraft in formation struck power lines near Courcelles, France.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2021-08-21 involved a HUMBERT AVIATION - Tétras, registration 21AJD, at Courcelles, FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to avoid a power line while flying at an extremely low altitude, a situation exacerbated by a lack of flight preparation, the pursuit of social interaction with people on the ground, and a diminished sense of risk due to group dynamics.

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