What happened
On May 17, 2009, an Aerodynos Columbia JA 177 Pingouin ultralight, identified as 13-UE, was participating in a precision landing competition. The flight originated from Uzès and was approaching the Salon-Eyguières aerodrome for the final stage of the event.
As the aircraft approached runway 16, the pilot observed the windsock, noting a light wind from the south. During the final approach, the aircraft bounced on the unpaved runway surface. In an attempt to correct the landing and achieve a more precise touchdown for the competition, the pilot initiated a go-around. During this maneuver, the pilot simultaneously increased engine power and increased the aircraft's pitch while maintaining the flaps in the landing position.
Shortly after the power increase, the aircraft entered a left bank without pilot input. Although the pilot managed to level the wings, the aircraft entered a nose-down attitude during the flare attempt and struck the ground. The aircraft came to rest in the grass approximately 100 meters to the left of the runway. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
Investigators examined the sequence of the landing attempt and the pilot's maneuvers. Witnesses on the ground, including competition officials, observed the aircraft flying at a height of approximately one to two meters above the runway surface after passing the threshold. They noted a significant pitch-up attitude and a slight increase in engine power just before the aircraft bounced on the runway.
Testimony from the passenger indicated that the aircraft had bounced on the runway prior to the pilot's decision to execute the go-around. The investigation also reviewed the competition parameters, which required pilots to navigate between various aerodromes and perform a precision landing at the final destination.