What happened
On April 20, 2009, at approximately 15:50, a Rans S 6 ES Coyote 2 ultralight, identified as 28-NR, was conducting a local flight near Vert-le-Petit, France. The flight originated from the Houville-la-Branche airfield, where the pilot departed at 15:17. The purpose of the flight was to fly over a residence recently purchased by the passenger.
Upon arriving at the location, the pilot descended to approximately 300 feet and performed three passes near the house. During the final pass, while flying at an altitude of roughly 250 feet, the pilot initiated a right-hand turn toward the residence. Witnesses on the ground observed the aircraft's right bank increasing suddenly as it turned east. The aircraft subsequently entered a nose-down attitude and struck the ground. The impact resulted in two fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
Investigators utilized GPS data to reconstruct the flight path and altitude of the ultralight. An examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical anomalies or technical failures that could have contributed to the loss of control. Additionally, a camera containing photographs taken during the low-altitude maneuvers was recovered from the debris.
Findings
Technical analysis and meteorological data from the nearby Brétigny aerodrome indicated winds of 12 knots from the north with gusts up to 21 knots. The investigation concluded that the primary cause of the accident was the decision to perform low-altitude maneuvers in gusty crosswind conditions.
As the pilot executed the final turn, the aircraft was subjected to sudden wind gusts that significantly increased the aircraft's bank angle. Because the aircraft was flying at such a low altitude, the pilot did not have sufficient time or height to recover from the sudden inclination and prevent the collision with the ground.