What happened
On June 16, 2008, at approximately 12:10 local time, a single-seat amateur-built motor glider, registration F-PAOM, crashed during a local flight departing from Amiens aerodrome. The aircraft, a Le Goëland powered by a 24 hp Koenig engine, was performing its initial climb after departing from runway 30.
Witnesses at the scene, including a flight instructor, observed the aircraft appearing to fly at a very low airspeed during the early stages of the climb. The aircraft then experienced a sudden and significant pitch-up attitude. Following this maneuver, the motor glider rolled to the left and fell, striking the ground approximately ten meters beyond the end of the paved runway. The impact resulted in one fatality and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical condition of the aircraft, the pilot's health, and the environmental conditions at the time of departure. Examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical anomalies that could have caused the accident. However, investigators were unable to determine the specific configuration of the flaps, air brakes, or trim during the takeoff sequence. It was noted that the aircraft was not equipped with a stall warning system.
Regarding the pilot, an autopsy was conducted to rule out medical emergencies. No progressive illness or physiological condition capable of causing incapacitation was identified, and toxicological tests showed no substances that could have impaired the pilot's abilities.
Meteorological data from the aerodrome's automated station indicated a wind from 310° at 10 to 19 knots, characterized by turbulence and gusts. Witnesses corroborated that the wind conditions were particularly turbulent on the day of the accident.
Findings
- The accident was caused by a sudden pitch-up maneuver at low airspeed during the initial climb.
- The pilot's failure to sufficiently account for the effects of turbulent wind contributed to the loss of control.
- Observations from individuals familiar with the pilot suggested a habitual tendency to use a long runway length and implement an aggressive pitch-up attitude immediately after takeoff.