What happened
On the evening of September 6, 2006, a group of three ultralight pilots traveling from Quiberon to Avranches encountered heavy fog while flying inland. After landing in a field near Le Bodéo to wait for better visibility, the group prepared to resume their journey once conditions improved. Around 18:3/0, two occupants departed from the field heading east, followed by the pilot and a passenger in the G-BZHY, a Mainair Sport Blade 912.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft failed to accelerate sufficiently. Despite the lack of momentum, the pilot continued the takeoff attempt. The aircraft achieved very little altitude before the pilot maneuvered to the right to avoid a line of trees at the end of the runway. The aircraft briefly glided over a road situated on a lower level before striking the side of an opposing embankment with significant force.
The investigation
Investigators examined the takeoff area, which was an unregistered strip measuring approximately 300 meters long and 50 meters wide. The surface was hard, and the strip featured a 15% upward slope during the first half of the takeoff run in the direction used. A hedge of trees, ranging from five to eight meters in height, was located at the end of the strip.
The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's weight and balance. The pilot had not precisely calculated the takeoff mass; due to the fuel load, passenger weight, and luggage for a three-week trip, the total weight was approximately 10 kilograms above the manufacturer's recommended limit. Additionally, it was noted that the field owner rarely takes off facing east and had been unable to communicate specific takeoff characteristics to the visiting pilots due to language barriers.