What happened
On June 26, 2005, a Tecnam P 2004 Bravo ultralight, identified as 89-NO, was performing a ferry flight from Bellegarde to Pont-sur-Yonne. The pilot, who had recently purchased the aircraft, departed Bellegarde at approximately 15:30.
During the approach to the destination, witnesses and an instructor on the ground observed the aircraft flying at a very low altitude. While performing a left turn on base leg, the aircraft exhibited an abnormally high pitch attitude and insufficient airspeed. The left wing lifted abruptly, causing the aircraft to enter a right-hand spin. The aircraft struck a field and caught fire, resulting in the death of the pilot and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and determined that at the moment of impact, the aircraft was in a steep right bank and a nose-down attitude. The engine was producing power, but the Fowler-type flaps were fully extended to 39 degrees. Notably, the safety pin for the emergency parachute remained in place on the deployment handle.
The investigation also focused on the pilot's recent experience. While the pilot had approximately 700 total flight hours, he had only approximately four hours of experience on this specific model in the two days preceding the accident. Furthermore, witnesses indicated that on the morning of the accident, the pilot had declined both a further familiarization flight with an instructor and a review of the aircraft's operating manual.
Findings
- The pilot's insufficient experience with the specific aircraft model contributed to the accident.
- The use of fully extended Fowler-type flaps during the turn likely increased the difficulty of maneuvering the aircraft.
- The pilot's familiarity with the handling characteristics of his previous aircraft, a Tecnam P 92 Echo, may have led to an incorrect configuration of the flaps during the approach.