What happened
On July 4, 2015, at approximately 21:45 local time, a Dakota L paramotor, identified by number 44-AMY, was performing a circular flight pattern over a coastal area near Marsilly, France. The flight was being conducted for personal purposes. Witnesses at a nearby outdoor concert site observed the aircraft flying at a low altitude along the coastline. During a sharp left turn, spectators noted that the aircraft's left wing tip appeared to fold inward while the aircraft remained in a horizontal plane. Shortly after this maneuver, the aircraft plummeted and collided with the ground approximately 150 meters from the spectators, resulting in the death of the pilot and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the aircraft and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical malfunctions or structural failures capable of causing the loss of control. While a digital camera was recovered from the scene, it contained no images related to the flight.
Regarding the pilot's background, the individual had held a paramotor license since 2005. Although the pilot had previously held a specialized competency declaration for aerial photography work, they had not engaged in that professional activity for several months. Because no flight log was available, the investigator could not verify the pilot's recent experience levels.
Meteorological conditions at the site included visibility greater than 10 km, temperatures of 21°C, and light turbulence. Winds were recorded from 300°/33 of 8 to 10 knots, with gusts reaching 17 to 20 knots. An instructor pilot familiar with the area noted that the coastal cliffs at that altitude are known to generate wave-like air currents (rollers).
Findings
- The loss of control was likely caused by performing low-altitude maneuvers in unstable aerodynamic conditions that the pilot failed to anticipate.
- The presence of wind gusts and potential cliff-induced turbulence contributed to the instability of the flight.