What happened
On March 27, 2017, a Combo 582 Magic 4/72.5(P) weight-shift ultralight, identified as 54-AOP, was performing local flight maneuvers at the Hoéville airfield. After departing from runway 05, the pilot completed an initial circuit and began a second approach. During this second landing attempt, the aircraft struck the tops of trees, which were approximately three to four meters in height, located near the runway threshold. This impact led to a subsequent collision with the ground. The pilot was killed in the accident, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the wreckage, which was found intact and concentrated near the trees, roughly 50 meters from the threshold of runway 05. Technical examinations of the Combo 582 revealed no mechanical failures; the engine was not seized, and all necessary fluids, including fuel, oil, and coolant, were present. Although the aircraft was equipped with a ballistic parachute, the pilot did not deploy it.
Data from a Garmin Zumo 500 GNSS unit allowed investigators to reconstruct the flight path. The records showed that during the final approach of the second circuit, the aircraft was flying approximately 30 meters (100 feet) lower than its altitude during the previous circuit. Meteorological conditions at the time were clear with good visibility and light winds.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the failure to detect that the aircraft had descended below the nominal glide path during the second approach.
- The aircraft's altitude was significantly lower than the preceding circuit during the final approach.
- While a witness at the airfield reported hearing a sudden increase in engine power—suggesting a late go-around attempt—the specific reasons for the delayed maneuver or the lack of altitude awareness could not be determined.