What happened
On June 22, 2008, at approximately 16:30, a Pottier P 130 ultralight, registration W59-CVQ, departed from the unpaved runway 29 at Valenciennes aerodrome. The pilot was intending to fly to a gathering in Vichy. Witnesses observed a normal takeoff roll, but noted that the engine RPM decreased shortly after liftoff. At an altitude of approximately 250 feet, the aircraft entered a right-hand turn, followed by a sudden pitch-up and a steep bank to the right. During this maneuver, the engine RPM increased and the left aileron moved upward, leading to a stall and subsequent collision with the ground. The impact resulted in one fatality and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition and the pilot's recent flight history. The aircraft was an amateur-built multi-axis ultralight powered by a 70 hp Limbach L 200 EO engine. It was discovered that the airframe was a second-hand unit, reconstructed by an amateur builder using an engine from the pilot's previous, fire-damaged aircraft of the same type. The aircraft had not flown since its initial test flights.
Prior to the accident, the pilot had requested a modification to the propeller pitch to reduce the engine RPM, which had been reaching maximum levels during the takeoff roll. The builder adjusted the propeller pitch by two degrees, and the pilot performed a stop-start acceleration test before the fatal departure. An examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical anomalies capable of causing the accident. Additionally, the aircraft was not equipped with a stall warning system.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the decision to fly in unfavorable meteorological conditions.
- Local weather reports indicated winds of 270 degrees at 12 knots with gusts up to 20 knots, and a low cloud base between 700 and 900 meters.
- While other aircraft operated in the area that day, no other ultralight aircraft were flying, as the conditions were considered unsuitable for this class of aircraft.
- The pilot's desire to reach the scheduled aviation gathering in Vichy contributed to the decision to proceed despite the weather.