What happened
On the evening of August 10, 1997, a pilot conducted the first flight of a newly assembled Dynali Chickinox ultralight, identified as 09-AZ. The flight took place over the Servian ultralight platform in France. After taking off toward the east, the pilot performed several maneuvers above the airfield before attempting to land.
During the final turn of the approach, a witness observed the aircraft banking sharply to the right. The aircraft subsequently entered a stall and crashed into nearby vineyards. The pilot sustained injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances of the flight and the pilot's experience. It was established that the pilot had not flown for three years prior to this event. Furthermore, the pilot had no previous experience operating this specific model of ultralight aircraft.
Findings
- The pilot's insufficient knowledge of flight mechanics and maneuverability was the primary factor in the accident.
- The pilot was operating a newly assembled aircraft for the first time.
- Weather conditions at the time of the accident were CAVOK with a 12-knot wind from 120 degrees.