What happened
On the morning of November 2, 1997, an Air Création XP 15 ultralight, identified as 07-HJ, was performing a private flight near Collanges, France. During the takeoff phase from an improvised landing strip, witnesses observed the aircraft banking sharply to the right. As the engine began to misfire, the aircraft experienced a significant loss of airspeed and deceleration. The aircraft subsequently collided with a wire fence and then struck a building.
The accident resulted in two serious injuries for the pilot and the passenger. The aircraft sustained heavy damage during the impact.
The investigation
Investigators focused on the mechanical performance of the Rotax 503 SL engine following the reported engine misfires. An examination of the engine components revealed that water had accumulated at the bottom of the carburetor bowls.
Technical analysis of the aircraft's storage conditions showed that the ultralight had been parked outdoors at the site. During this period, temperatures had dropped to a minimum of -8 °C. At the time of the incident, the fuel tank was approximately three-quarters full. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was not equipped with a fuel draining or purging device.