What happened
On August 25, 2016, a Jodel D1SB (registration F-PINB) departed from the unpaved runway 34 at Saint-Rémy de Maurienne for a local flight. Shortly after takeoff, an eyewitness observed the aircraft flying at a low speed directly over a nearby residence. The witness noted that the aircraft appeared to pitch up slightly, as if attempting to avoid trees. The aircraft subsequently struck trees and the ground, resulting in a post-impact fire. The accident resulted in two fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation examined the wreckage and determined that the aircraft was overturned by the fire. Investigators confirmed that the flight controls remained connected to the control surfaces and that the propeller fragmentation indicated the engine was delivering power at the time of impact.
Regarding the aircraft's configuration, the center of gravity was within manufacturer limits; however, the takeoff mass was 552 kg, which exceeded the maximum allowable mass of 532 kg by approximately 20 kg.
The investigation also looked into the crew and flight planning. The pilot, a 70-year-old experienced instructor, had recently issued a microlight license to the passenger. The passenger was seated in the left seat, a position typically reserved for the pilot in command. Evidence suggested the flight was intended as a flight training experience for the passenger, though the flight had not been reported to the club's management.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was likely an improper takeoff technique involving a second-stage stall/rotation.
- The passenger's previous experience with tricycle-gear microlights may have led to a more aggressive rotation than the flight manual prescribes, placing the aircraft into a second-stage stall.
- The low altitude at the time of the error left insufficient margin to recover before striking obstacles.
- The aircraft's takeoff mass exceeded the maximum authorized limit, which likely contributed to the loss of control.