What happened
On the morning of Saturday, August 16, 1997, an Aérotec VM 18 microlight, identified as 68-BY, was engaged in a local private flight departing from the Uffholtz microlight platform. The pilot was performing a low-altitude circular flight pattern characterized by abrupt climbs and descents. While exiting a right-hand turn, the aircraft suddenly pitched toward the ground and crashed into a nearby field.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight maneuvers and the pilot's qualifications. It was established that the pilot was the owner of the aircraft and had not flown since September 1996. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's training and experience levels prior to the accident.
Findings
- The pilot was 33 years old and held no formal pilot license.
- The pilot's flight experience was limited to only two hours of flight time conducted under dual instruction.
- The primary cause of the accident was identified as inexperience.
- The aircraft was destroyed in the impact, and the pilot was killed.