What happened
On July 8, 2003, at 19:20, a pilot was conducting a flight test in an amateur-built Mignet HM 293 ultralight, registration W62-AAH, near Magnicolat-en-Comté, France. The aircraft was being operated for private purposes.
During the flight, witnesses on the ground observed the aircraft performing a steep left turn while experiencing a crosswind, eventually establishing a downwind pattern. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft entered a steep dive. The pilot attempted a sudden recovery maneuver, but the aircraft struck the ground, bounced, and subsequently crashed. The impact resulted in the death of the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical integrity of the aircraft and the pilot's recent modifications. Examination of the wreckage confirmed that the engine was delivering power at the time of the accident and that all flight controls remained continuous. The two folding wing sections were found to be properly locked. However, investigators were unable to determine the specific setting of the lower wing incidence or the position of the camber flaps.
Prior to the accident, the pilot had completed three test flights in this specific aircraft. While the first flight was normal, the second flight ended in a field landing due to engine seizure. Following that incident, the pilot had installed a more powerful engine, removed the engine cowling, changed the propeller, and replaced the wooden landing gear structure with aluminum. During the third flight, the pilot also elected to land in a field after noticing low climb speeds shortly after takeoff. Additionally, the pilot had added camber flaps to the lower wing during the construction process.