What happened
On the morning of September 23, 2023, a pilot operating a BILLY XS paramotor, identified as 44AXU, conducted two local flights near Blain. Following an initial 35-minute flight, the pilot took off again from a field adjacent to a main road at approximately 10:26. Shortly after takeoff, while executing a left turn, the aircraft encountered a medium voltage power line. The collision occurred at an altitude of approximately eight meters, resulting in the fatal injury of the pilot and significant damage to the paramotor chassis.
The investigation
Investigators analyzed GNSS data from the pilot's telephone to reconstruct the flight path and examined the wreckage at the site. The power line consisted of three cables supported by 13-meter concrete poles. The investigation established that the cables were positioned perpendicular to the pilot's flight path. Physical evidence on the paramotor chassis confirmed contact with the cables, while the remaining damage was attributed to the subsequent impact with the ground.
Meteorological analysis revealed that at the time of the accident, the sun was positioned at an azimuth of 120 degrees and a height of 25 degrees. This placement meant the sun was directly facing the pilot following their left turn. The weather was characterized by CAVOK conditions with light winds and slight turbulence.
Findings
- The pilot's flight path took them directly into the sun, which likely visually hampered the detection of the power lines.
- The pilot may have failed to account for the presence of the cables, despite having flown over the area earlier that day.
- The aircraft was operating at a very low altitude during the encounter with the obstacle.