What happened
On June 18, 2005, at approximately 21:40, a Mignet HM 293 ultralight, identified as W23-CM, was involved in a fatal accident at the Montpezat-d’Agenais airfield. The pilot had traveled to the site to participate in a "Pou du Ciel" ultralight gathering and intended to present his newly built aircraft. Before the presentation, the pilot decided to perform taxi tests and several short hops on the unpaved 500-meter runway.
Witnesses observed the aircraft lining up at the threshold of runway 15 and accelerating. The aircraft took off during the second half of the runway with a high pitch attitude. Following takeoff, the aircraft exhibited significant and disorganized oscillations in pitch and bank. While flying at a low altitude, the aircraft entered a right-hand turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft suddenly rolled onto its back to the right and pitched toward the ground, impacting a cultivated field. The impact occurred while the aircraft was in an inverted, nose-down attitude.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the accident site, finding no mechanical anomalies that could have led to the loss of control. The pilot held a valid ultralight qualification for the multiaxe class, though his flight logs did not show previous experience flying this specific type of aircraft. While the pilot had performed occasional short hops in this aircraft previously, he had not conducted extensive flight testing with this specific unit.
Findings
- The aircraft was a newly constructed Mignet HM 293 "Pou du Ciel" powered by a 50 hp Rotax 503 engine.
- The pilot was performing unplanned takeoff tests (short hops) rather than a standard flight.
- The aircraft experienced an uncontrolled roll and subsequent dive into the ground.
- It is possible the pilot attempted an emergency landing after realizing the remaining runway length was insufficient for a safe landing.
- The exact cause of the accident could not be determined due to the lack of identifiable mechanical or structural failures.