What happened
On the afternoon of November 18, 2021, a pilot prepared for a local flight departing from Meaux - Esbly aerodrome in a TL-300 and Sirius microlight, registration 44AWF. Before departure, the tower controller advised the pilot that weather conditions were deteriorating, noting that nearby aerodromes were experiencing cloud cover and low visibility. Despite being warned of the risk of rapidly decreasing visibility at Meaux, the pilot decided to proceed with a local flight pattern around the Meaux and Disneyland Paris areas.
After taking off at 15:59, the pilot climbed to approximately 890 feet before initiating a left turn. During the maneuver, the pilot reported to the controller that there was no visible ceiling. As the flight progressed, the pilot noted that visibility had become very low. At approximately 16:02, the aircraft collided with a relay antenna, which stands at an altitude of 653 feet. The impact resulted in the death of the pilot and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation utilized data from the aircraft's Dynon D-1000 Skyview flight computer, radio communications, radar data, and witness statements. Investigators examined the wreckage, finding debris scattered within a 50-meter radius and parts of the left wing embedded in the antenna pylon.
Analysis of the onboard Dynon data revealed that the engine was operating normally and providing appropriate power at the time of the accident. The flight parameters showed the pilot had correctly set the QNH and that the aircraft was in a stable flight state—with a slight pitch and a shallow bank—immediately prior to the collision, suggesting the pilot had not lost control of the aircraft.
Witnesses, including flight instructors, described a significant fog bank rolling in from the south, with visibility near the antenna reported to be as low as ten meters.
Findings
- The pilot proceeded with the flight despite receiving specific warnings from the controller regarding deteriorating meteorological conditions.
- The pilot likely encountered a localized area of fog, which eliminated reliable external visual references.
- In an attempt to maintain visual contact with the ground while flying at a low altitude, the pilot likely descended into the path of the obstacle.
- The pilot failed to perceive the antenna in time to avoid the collision due to the extremely low visibility.
- The perceived low risk of a local flight may have led to an underestimation of the hazards posed by the changing weather.