What happened
On August 30, 2008, during the European ultralight airshow at Blois, a Buse Air 150 ultralight aircraft was participating in the circuit. The pilot, flying from Monhoudou, was performing a 360-degree turn on the downwind leg due to high traffic density. After announcing the approach on the dedicated self-information frequency, the pilot entered the short final approach.
During the final approach, the pilot observed another ultralight aircraft to the left that had just overtaken the Buse Air 150. To avoid a potential collision, the pilot executed a sudden right-hand maneuver. This evasive action resulted in the aircraft's right wheel striking the unpaved runway, causing the aircraft to capsize onto its wing.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the sudden maneuver and the visibility between the two aircraft. Investigators examined the radio communications and the flight paths of both aircraft. While the Buse Air 150 pilot reported not hearing the other aircraft announce its position on the frequency, witnesses noted that the second aircraft had performed a parallel approach on a slightly higher flight path.
The second aircraft, likely an Aerospool Dynamic WT 9, could not be definitively identified. Investigators noted that the low-wing configuration of the second aircraft might have contributed to the pilot's failure to detect the Buse Air 150 during the approach.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the unexpected detection of another aircraft during the short final approach.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the engine cowling, the propeller, and the nose landing gear.
- There were no fatalities or injuries reported among the two occupants.
- High traffic density during the airshow contributed to the complex maneuvering required in the circuit.