What happened
On September 11, 2016, a Super Guépard ultralight, identified as 14-NI, departed from Caen-Carpiquet for a recreational flight near Pont-Farcy. The pilot, accompanied by a passenger, intended to take aerial photographs of family properties in the Normandy countryside.
During the flight, the pilot performed several low-altitude passes over a farm, descending to approximately 200 ft. While maneuvering near a residence, the aircraft was flying at a constant altitude of about 600 ft while approaching rising terrain. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft entered a sudden descent, striking a tree before impacting the ground at an altitude of approximately 575 ft. The impact resulted in two fatalities and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The BEA examined the wreckage, radar data, and photographic evidence taken during the flight. Analysis of the photographs confirmed that the aircraft had been operating below the regulatory minimum altitude of 500 ft for much of the flight, with one image taken at approximately 100 ft.
Investigators inspected the engine and flight controls, finding that the propulsion system was fully functional and the flight controls remained continuous until impact. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying at a low altitude and noted a sudden, sharp nose-down movement just before the collision. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's emergency parachute system remained undeployed.