What happened
On Sunday, April 13, 1997, at 11:15 AM, a Cosmos pendular ULM (identified as 68-HY) was performing solo circuit training at the Vieux-Ferrette ULM airfield. The pilot, a student with 15 total flight hours, had previously completed a dual-instruction session involving six takeoffs and landings. During the solo flight, the student maintained radio contact with an instructor.
As the aircraft approached the runway, the instructor, monitoring the flight via radio, observed the aircraft on a normal approach path. However, during the flare, after the aircraft had leveled off approximately 4 meters above the ground, the pilot considered applying full power to initiate a go-around. Before this could be completed, the aircraft entered a stall prior to reaching the threshold of runway 01. The aircraft subsequently struck a signpost, which cushioned the impact of the crash.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight parameters during the final approach and the sequence of events leading to the loss of lift. Investigators examined the flight conditions, noting that the weather featured visibility greater than 10 km, scattered clouds at 2500 feet, and a north-northeast wind of 5 to 10 knots. The investigation also reviewed the instructor's observations regarding the aircraft's energy state during the short final phase.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was insufficient airspeed during the short final approach.
- The instructor had noted the low speed and had instructed the student pilot to execute a go-around.
- The student pilot's attempt to manage the landing resulted in a stall before the aircraft reached the runway threshold.
- The impact was mitigated by a signpost encountered during the excursion.
- The accident resulted in one injury (the student pilot) and heavy damage to the aircraft.