What happened
On 10 September 2017, an Evektor Aerotechnik EV-97 Eurostar, registration 28ADE, was conducting a local flight from Dreux Vernouillet aerodrome. The aircraft, carrying a pilot and one passenger, was established on the left-hand downwind leg for runway 2 overlap with other traffic.
During the flight, the pilot engaged in a radio exchange with a CAP10 aircraft that was joining the base leg. To maintain separation and position herself behind the CAP10, the pilot of the 28ADE performed a right-hand delaying maneuver to fly away from the runway. After the two aircraft passed one another, the pilot attempted a left turn to rejoin the base leg. During this turn, the microlight experienced a loss of control and struck a ploughed field with a steep, nose-down attitude. The impact resulted in two fatalities and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The BEA examined the wreckage and the flight circumstances, noting that the aircraft's weight was approximately 490 kg, which slightly exceeded its maximum design weight of 472.5 kg. The investigation found no technical failures; the flaps were retracted, the engine speed indicator was functional (though jammed at a specific reading), and the propeller damage was consistent with rotation at impact. The emergency parachute had not been deployed, though investigators noted the low altitude of the accident likely would have prevented effective deployment.
Meteorological analysis showed a low cloud base near the circuit pattern height and turbulent conditions. The investigation also reviewed radio communications between the microlight, a CAP10, and a Cessna 172 to reconstruct the traffic sequence.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a loss of control during a maneuvering sequence intended to reposition the aircraft behind preceding traffic.
- The presence of a cloud layer near the circuit pattern height may have limited visibility and situational awareness.
- The stress of managing aircraft proximity in a busy traffic pattern likely contributed to the event.
- The aircraft was operating slightly above its maximum design weight.