What happened
On the morning of July 29, 2007, a Guérin G1 ultralight aircraft, registration 87-ES, departed from the Beynat microlight airfield in France. The pilot and one passenger were flying to the Blond airfield to participate in an airshow, where they were scheduled to meet other club members.
During the flight, the crew encountered unfavorable weather conditions characterized by low cloud ceilings and light drizzle. Witnesses at the scene reported hearing the engine shortly before the impact. The aircraft struck the ground in a steep nose-down attitude on a left-sloping terrain near the locality of Montrocher, approximately four kilometers from their destination. The impact resulted in two fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the meteorological conditions and the flight decisions made by the crew. On-site observations and satellite imagery confirmed the presence of low-level clouds and drizzle, with cloud ceilings as low as 300 feet.
Testimony from another pilot, an instructor flying in the same group, indicated that he had turned back shortly after departure due to the poor visibility. This instructor also confirmed receiving a telephone call from the pilot of 87-ES at approximately 8:35 AM, during which the pilot stated that while the ceiling was low, the flight remained possible. An examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuel tanks were not empty and no mechanical malfunctions were identified prior to the impact. A portable GPS found on board contained no flight data corresponding to the accident flight.