What happened
On Saturday, September 14, 2002, at approximately 18:45, a Cosmos Chronos 16 ultralight, identified as 94-GK, was performing a private flight to the Baulieu-sur-Loire microlight airfield. The pilot had been flying a multi-leg itinerary throughout the day, visiting Montfaucon, Saint-Junien-le-Petit, and Levroux.
Witnesses on the ground observed the aircraft approaching the airfield on a right-hand circuit, initially arriving in a downwind position north of the runway. During the final approach, the pilot executed a tight turn at low altitude and high speed near the runway threshold. The aircraft touched down approximately 120 meters from the threshold, positioned only three meters from the right edge of the unpaved runway. Following the touchdown, the aircraft bounced twice and veered off the right side of the runway.
In an attempt to recover, the pilot applied full power to initiate a go-around. During this takeoff attempt, the right wing of the aircraft struck a training gantry, and the front of the cockpit collided with a parked car. The aircraft then pitched up vertically over the vehicle before flipping onto its back and crashing.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight path during the final approach and the pilot's decision-making during the landing phase. Investigators examined the airfield conditions, noting that the pilot was familiar with the site and had contacted the airfield owner prior to the flight. The investigation also considered the meteorological conditions, which included a northeast wind with gusts up to 20 knots, and the specific aerodynamic challenges posed by the runway's surroundings, such as wind shear caused by a nearby hangar and trees.
Findings
- The landing approach was unstabilized due to the tight, high-speed turn near the runway threshold.
- The pilot made an inappropriate decision to attempt a go-around after the initial excursions from the runway.
- The primary contributing factor was the pilot's haste prior to landing.
- The aircraft sustained total destruction, and the collision resulted in one fatality (the pilot) and damage to a parked vehicle.