What happened
On 14 August 2023, a single-seat Pou du Ciel HM-360 microlight, identified as 47IJ, was performing a local flight at La Réole-Floudès aerodrome in Fontet, France. After completing two initial short hops on the unpaved runway, the pilot commenced an aerodrome circuit. During the flight, the aircraft performed several turns at altitudes between 300 and 600 feet.
While on final approach, the aircraft suddenly entered a nose-down attitude. Witnesses observed the engine power increase and the aircraft pitching up steeply. During this maneuver, the forward right wing failed and separated from the airframe. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground, resulting in a post-impact fire. The accident resulted in one fatality (the pilot) and the total destruction of the microlight.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage, which was more than 80% destroyed by fire. The forward right wing was recovered approximately 20 meters from the main wreckage site. The investigation focused on the structural integrity of the wing connection and the pilot's flight profile.
Technical analysis revealed that the connection between the forward right wing and the wing center section failed at the spar of the center section. This failure was caused by a positive bending overload. Notably, the wing hinges and the locking mechanism were found to be intact and properly engaged at the time of the failure. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's recent training, noting that while the pilot had recently completed fixed-wing microlight training, this was his first flight in this specific aircraft type.