What happened
On Friday, October 23, 1998, at 17:35, an owner of a Savannah MXP 740 microlight (identified as 31-LR) was conducting a stationary engine test at the unpaved Muret aerodrome. While positioned at the threshold of runway 30, the pilot adjusted the propeller pitch and subsequently focused his attention on monitoring engine parameters.
During this period of distraction, the aircraft began to move forward toward the hangars. Finding himself unable to stop the movement, the pilot opted to take off at a low altitude to avoid the structures. The pilot performed a low-level 180-degree turn to reposition the aircraft for a landing on runway 12. The landing was heavy and the aircraft was not properly aligned with the runway. This resulted in the collapse of the left main landing gear and heavy damage to the aircraft. Because the occupant was not wearing a seatbelt, they were ejected from the aircraft through the door during the impact.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the unintended movement and the subsequent landing. The investigators noted that the aircraft was equipped with two brakes operated via the rudder pedals but lacked a parking brake. The meteorological conditions at the time were CAVOK with a light wind from 250 degrees at 6 knots.
Findings
- The primary cause of the unintended takeoff was inattention while monitoring engine instruments.
- The lack of a parking brake on the 31-LR contributed to the aircraft's ability to roll during the engine test.
- The severity of the impact and the ejection of the occupant were due to the pilot not being secured by a seatbelt.