What happened
On August 15, 2018, at approximately 19:25, a pilot was conducting local recreational flights from the Courseulles-sur-Mer microlight platform. After waiting for wind conditions to stabilize, the pilot attempted a takeoff from runway 27 in a Paramania Revo 3 paramotor trike, identified as 50-RV.
Witnesses present at the airfield observed that immediately upon leaving the ground, the aircraft veered to the left. In an attempt to correct this movement, the pilot applied right brake, which induced a significant roll. The pilot then applied opposing brake to counter the roll, which triggered a lateral pendulum motion. This oscillation continued through several alternating turns until the carriage moved above the wing. The aircraft then pitched forward from a height of a few dozen meters, impacting the ground at the end of the runway. The pilot sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
The BEA examined the aircraft, a Paramania Revo 3 wing attached to an Adventure Fun Flyer two-seat carriage, powered by a 30 hp Simonini Mini 3 engine. The engine configuration produced a right-hand torque. The investigation noted that the aircraft was not equipped with anti-torque straps and the pilot was using a manual throttle.
Investigators reviewed the wing's flight manual, which warns of "engine torque and power induced oscillations" during takeoff. The manual specifies that these oscillations can be amplified by pilot actions, specifically through over-controlling the brakes. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience, noting they had been qualified for less than a year and had approximately 25 total flight hours, having trained on a different single-seat configuration.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's inappropriate control inputs, which led to a progressive pilot-induced oscillation.
- The pilot likely attempted to excessively counter the effects of engine torque with the brakes.
- The pilot's limited flight experience contributed to the inability to manage the developing instability.
- The engine's torque was noted as a significant factor, as the pilot had previously mentioned the high torque levels to other pilots on the platform.