What happened
On December 21, 2008, a privately owned pendular ultralight (registration 44-VO) was engaged in a ferry flight from Plessé to a private landing strip in Missillac. The pilot intended to store the aircraft at this field for the winter season. The flight was part of a group activity, as the pilot was accompanied by two other ultralight aircraft.
Upon arriving at the destination, the pilot performed several flypasts over the field. After observing a windsock installed at the site, the pilot decided to land facing south. During the final approach from the north, the aircraft struck an eight-meter-tall tree located at the edge of the field. The impact caused the aircraft to flip and strike the ground, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and serious injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight path and the pilot's decision-making during the approach. Investigators examined the landing site, a narrow north-south strip measuring approximately 300 meters long and 26 meters wide. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's actions regarding wind compensation and the aircraft's descent profile.
Findings
The investigation established that the pilot had extended the upwind leg of the approach further to the north than usual to account for wind conditions. However, the pilot failed to correct the descent slope during the final approach following this extended maneuver, leading to the collision with the tree.