What happened
On July 29, 2006, a pilot operating an Eurostar EV 97, registration HB-WAV, departed from the Neuchâtel airfield for a local flight. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing past a line of trees, the pilot experienced significant resistance in the pitch controls. During the flight, the pilot attempted to stabilize the aircraft by adjusting power and flaps, but noted a sudden tendency for the nose to pitch down heavily.
In the process of managing the aircraft, the pilot struggled to locate the trim lever. The aircraft subsequently struck the surface of Lake Neuchâtel near Auvernier. The pilot, who sustained serious injuries, managed to exit the sinking wreckage and was rescued by nearby boaters. The aircraft settled on the lake floor at a depth of approximately 80 meters.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aircraft's configuration and the pilot's actions during the initial climb. Investigators examined the wreckage and the flight controls, specifically looking at the pitch trim and the canopy locking mechanism.
Technical analysis revealed that the canopy was not properly locked, which allowed it to fly open during the climb, creating aerodynamic turbulence. Furthermore, the investigation found that the pitch trim was set to a "nose up" position, far back from the neutral setting. The investigation also noted that a padlock had been installed on the activation handle of the ballistic recovery system (BRS), which would have prevented its immediate use in an emergency.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the aircraft's collision with the water due to a loss of control by the pilot.
- The canopy was left unlatched, leading to its opening during flight and contributing to aerodynamic instability.
- The pitch trim was positioned in a "nose up" configuration, which significantly altered the aircraft's handling characteristics.
- The pilot's recent experience with this specific aircraft type (approximately three weeks) may have hindered his ability to manage the sudden change in control forces.
- The presence of a padlock on the emergency parachute handle prevented the use of the BRS.