What happened
On Wednesday, May 28, at 19:10, a single-seat MB 02 Mini Bulle ultralight, registration 64-KI, was involved in a takeoff accident at Pau Aerodrome. The pilot, who was renting the aircraft to gain experience on this specific type, began the takeoff roll without first aligning the aircraft with the runway centerline. Following the initial roll, the pilot established a significant pitch-up attitude.
As the aircraft reached an altitude of only a few meters, it failed to accelerate or maintain the climb. In an attempt to regain airspeed, the pilot reduced the pitch angle; however, this resulted in a loss of altitude and a subsequent stall of the right wing. The aircraft struck the runway surface and came to a rest approximately twenty meters beyond the point of impact. The aircraft sustained heavy damage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's maneuvers and the aircraft's performance during the takeoff phase. Investigators examined the pilot's experience, noting that while he was an experienced ultralight pilot with 250 total flight hours, he had very little experience operating aircraft with a conventional (taildragger) landing gear. His previous training on similar gear types had been limited to four takeoffs and landings in a Piper PA 18 with an instructor present.
Technical examination of the MB 02 Mini Bulle's Hirth F23 engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction. The flight school management stated that the pilot had been briefed on the specific handling characteristics of the aircraft, including the necessity of aligning the aircraft with the runway during the takeoff roll.
Findings
- The pilot's underestimation of the aircraft's pitch attitude during the takeoff roll and initial climb led to the accident.
- The pilot was distracted by the aircraft's tendency to nose-down, which contributed to the incorrect pitch management.
- The pilot lacked sufficient experience with conventional gear aircraft to manage the specific aerodynamic transitions of this model.