What happened
During a flight intended to verify recent engine modifications, a solo pilot was conducting a post-maintenance check near Roanne-Renaison Airport. Shortly after departing the runway, the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 300 feet. While climbing, the pilot began a left-hand turn that moved the aircraft away from the runway centerline on a perpendicular path.
During this maneuver, the aircraft struck an 8-meter-tall weather pylon. The impact caused the aircraft to overturn and crash, subsequently resulting in a post-crash fire. The impact and fire led to the total destruction of the aircraft and the death of the pilot.
Findings
- The flight was being conducted as a functional check following several engine modifications.
- The collision occurred while the aircraft was in a climbing phase at a low altitude.
- The aircraft's trajectory took it into the path of a fixed meteorological structure.