What happened
On 3 September 2022, a SuperGuépard 912 UL microlight, registration 43YH, departed Caen Carpiquet airport for Blois-Le Breuil aerodrome to attend the World Microlight Exhibition. The flight was a cross-country mission carrying a pilot and one passenger.
During the flight, the aircraft climbed to approximately 1,500 ft before the pilot initiated a series of maneuvers. Radar and SafeSky application data indicate the aircraft performed a right turn followed by a left U-turn with a decreasing radius. During these maneuvers, the aircraft's altitude fluctuated between 950 ft and 1,200 ft. The final recorded position showed the aircraft at 1,200 ft, less than 200 m from the accident site. Shortly thereafter, the microlight struck trees in a wooded area at a steep angle while heading south.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's technical state, meteorological conditions, and the pilot's flight history. Forensic examinations of the wreckage found no mechanical anomalies prior to impact; the engine was operating and transmitting torque at the time of the crash. The aircraft's structure was destroyed upon impact, and the emergency parachute had not been deployed.
Meteorological data confirmed that at the time of the accident, the area was experiencing mist and fog with ground visibility significantly reduced, potentially to less than 1 km in hilly terrain. Stratus clouds were present with a base between 600 and 750 ft. Investigators also reviewed the pilot's experience, noting he had approximately 175 flight hours and a history of limited experience in adverse weather. Evidence suggested the pilot may have been attempting to perform a reconnaissance of the area to find clear air, as indicated by the U-turn maneuvers.
Findings
- The pilot operated the aircraft in weather conditions incompatible with VFR rules.
- The pilot's limited navigation experience likely hindered his ability to identify and manage risks associated with reducing visibility.
- The decision to proceed with the flight was potentially influenced by the desire to attend the exhibition and the fact that a more experienced pilot had departed shortly before him.
- Stress resulting from the encounter with low visibility contributed to the accident.