What happened
On Wednesday, August 7, 2002, at approximately 17:30, an Ultralair Weedhopper JC31 Premier AX 3 ultralight, identified as 66-DO, was performing a banner towing mission near the Toreilles private ultralight platform. The pilot, who had accumulated between 500 and 600 total flight hours, was conducting his second advertising banner tow of the day.
An eyewitness, the manager of the aerial work company, observed the aircraft approaching the designated release area at an altitude of roughly 100 meters, flying into the wind. The pilot successfully released the banner; however, approximately five seconds after the release, the aircraft climbed slightly before entering a right-hand turn. The aircraft then entered a spin with a very high nose-down pitch, ultimately impacting the ground. The accident resulted in the death of the pilot and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the aircraft and the flight controls. Examination of the wreckage revealed that all structural failures were static, occurring upon impact. While the upper spar was found broken, the flight controls showed no anomalies prior to the collision. The release hook, a type typically used for glider towing, showed no signs of malfunction.
Investigators also examined the cockpit area and found traces of fuel on the ground, noting the pilot had refueled prior to the flight. Crucially, investigators discovered an improvised tension-relief device consisting of a bungee cord (sandow) and a piece of lace. The bungee cord, measuring 41 centimeters, was attached to the main spar above the pilot's head, with the other end secured via a slightly open hook into a hole in the rubber grip of the control stick. This setup was intended to help the pilot manage the pitch-down moment induced by the banner tow.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the insufficient pitch correction following the release of the banner.
- The pilot utilized an improvised device (a bungee cord and lace) to alleviate the physical effort required to maintain control of the stick during towing.
- The use of this uncertified, makeshift compensator likely interfered with the pilot's ability to effectively manage the aircraft's attitude during the critical moments of the banner release.