What happened
On July 30, 2023, a JMB Aircraft VL3E microlight, identified as 49ADC, was conducting a local flight from Cholet-Le Pontreau aerodrome. The flight, operated by Fly2M, was intended to fly the passenger over a specific location. After approximately 20 minutes of flight, the pilot returned to the aerodrome and joined the downwind leg for runway 21.
During the final approach, the pilot touched down on the runway at approximately 50 knots but immediately rejected the landing to perform a go-around. During the subsequent climb, the aircraft entered a steep left turn with a high bank angle. The aircraft's altitude had dropped to approximately 160 feet at this stage. Witnesses observed the microlight pitch down sharply toward the ground. The aircraft subsequently collided with vegetation and submerged in a stretch of water located about 400 meters from the runway threshold. The accident resulted in one fatality and one serious injury.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft wreckage, flight data from the Garmin G3X EFIS, and radio communications. Investigators found the engine was still operating at the time of impact and the airframe parachute had not been activated, partly because the aircraft's altitude was below the minimum deployment height. The wreckage was largely intact, though one propeller blade was missing.
Analysis of the aircraft's configuration revealed that the landing gear was in the process of being retracted during the climb. This retraction caused additional drag and shifted the center of gravity toward the rear limit. Furthermore, the aircraft was maneuvering at a speed and bank angle that likely induced a stall.
Regarding the pilot, the investigation established that the pilot had experienced intense fatigue, palpitations, and chest pain shortly before the final approach. He described a period of visual blurring and a