What happened
On 20 June 2022, an AEROPRAKT A22-L2 microlight, registration 83AUA, was participating in a group excursion at the La Mure-Argens microlight strip. Following a midday picnic, the group decided to move their return flight forward due to decreasing visibility caused by haze from a nearby forest fire.
During the take-off from runway 21, the pilot rotated at an indicated speed of 70 to 80 km/h. Shortly after the climb began, the pilot reduced engine power from 5,500 rpm to 5,100 rpm and initiated a left turn. As the aircraft climbed, the pitch attitude progressively increased to a maximum of 24°, while the airspeed dropped from 100 km/h to 55 km/h. The aircraft subsequently entered a steep bank exceeding 45° and struck trees and the ground in a steep, wooded area. The impact destroyed the aircraft, resulting in one fatality (the passenger) and one serious injury (the pilot).
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight data recorded by the aircraft's Nesis III computer and the pilot's tablet. Investigators examined the aircraft's weight and balance, noting that the total weight was approximately 520 kg, exceeding the maximum certified take-off weight of 472.50 kg for the L2 model.
Analysis of the wreckage and forensic examinations revealed that while the pilot's seatbelt remained intact, the passenger was likely only wearing a lap belt and not the shoulder straps. The impact forces were sufficient to eject the passenger from the cockpit. The investigation also reviewed the verbal take-off instructions provided by the airfield operator, which required pilots to turn left early to follow a specific path for noise abatement.
Findings
- The pilot performed an excessive pitch-up during the climb, leading to a loss of airspeed and insufficient altitude to clear the terrain.
- The pilot's desire to comply with the airfield operator's noise abatement instructions likely pressured him to turn toward the mountains too early.
- The aircraft's climb performance was significantly degraded by the high weight, high density altitude, and high ambient temperature.
- The lack of a natural horizon while flying toward the terrain contributed to the pilot's inability to accurately assess the aircraft's pitch attitude.
- The passenger was not properly restrained by shoulder straps, contributing to their ejection during the impact.