What happened
On June 15, 2008, at approximately 14:00 local time, an Aviasud Albatros AE-209 ultralight, identified as 80-WY, crashed in the Vosges mountains near Saint-Amarin. The pilot, who was the owner of the aircraft, had departed from Mulhouse-Habsheim airfield earlier that afternoon, intending to fly to Amiens.
Witnesses reported hearing the aircraft's engine followed by the sound of breaking branches. The wreckage was located roughly two hours later at an altitude of 3,084 ft. The aircraft had struck the treetops while in a slight nose-down pitch and a slight bank. During the impact, the left wing's leading edge struck the treetops, causing the left wing spar to be torn off approximately 300 meters from the summit of the Storkenkopf. The main wreckage was found 1,400 meters below the direct flight path. The crash resulted in one fatality and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight path, weather conditions, and the pilot's prior activities. On the morning of the accident, the pilot had completed three local flights. During one of these flights, a tower controller—who was also a pilot—had advised the pilot to bypass the Vosges massif to the south because the peaks were obscured by clouds. The pilot reportedly declined the suggestion, stating he was accustomed to flying in difficult conditions through the mountains.
Meteorological data from Colmar indicated light rain and overcast conditions at 6,000 ft. However, at the accident site, visibility was reduced to approximately 4 km, with a cloud base as low as 3,000 ft and light drizzle. Investigators examined the wreckage and ruled out carburetor icing as a factor. While a portable GPS was recovered, its data could not be retrieved, and no other flight documentation was found near the site.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the decision to undertake and continue the flight under unfavorable meteorological conditions.
- Weather conditions at the crash site were conducive to the loss of external visual references.
- The pilot had previously expressed confidence in his ability to navigate the mountains despite the presence of clouds over the peaks.