What happened
On 4 September 2021, a SRO Sting Carbon microlight, registration 95SN, departed from Eu-Mers - Le Tréport aerodrome for a local flight to Somme Bay. The pilot was accompanied by one passenger. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported a technical issue with his tablet via radio. A second pilot, flying an Ekolot aircraft, attempted to warn the pilot of 95SN that he was returning to the aerodrome due to encroaching fog, but received no response.
At approximately 09:50, the 95SN collided with the ground in a field located 5.8 km northeast of the aerodrome. The impact occurred in an area with no obstacles, and the wreckage was discovered by a local farmer roughly 45 minutes later.
The investigation
The investigation examined the wreckage, flight data from the aircraft's Electronic Flight Instrument Systems (EFIS), and meteorological reports. Investigators found that the aircraft's propulsion system was functional and had not suffered any failure prior to impact. The flight controls, including the ailerons, rudder, and elevator, were fully operational. Notably, the flaps and elevator trim were found in a landing configuration, suggesting the pilot may have been preparing for an off-field landing.
Analysis of the EFIS data revealed that while the flight began with a stable climb, the aircraft later experienced significant fluctuations in altitude and airspeed. During the final phase of flight, the airspeed dropped below 60 km/h on three separate occasions. Meteorological data from the period confirmed the presence of mist and fog, with a ceiling of approximately 600 ft in the region.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced multiple aerodynamic stalls during the final moments of flight.
- The pilot was operating in adverse weather conditions, specifically mist and fog, which were incompatible with Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
- The pilot may have reduced speed and descended in an attempt to maintain visual contact with the ground due to the deteriorating visibility.
- Both the pilot and the passenger sustained fatal injuries.