What happened
On May 12, 2003, at approximately 19:05, a Humbert "La Moto-du-Ciel" microlight, identified as 88-HI, was performing agricultural spraying operations near Deyvillers, France. The pilot had departed from the Epinal-Dogneville airfield shortly before 18:50 to treat a specific parcel of land.
Witnesses on the ground, including farmers and acquaintances of the pilot, observed the aircraft performing its initial passes over the sloping terrain. During the second pass, flying from west to east, witnesses heard a sudden increase in engine RPM followed by an unusual thud. Upon investigation, the aircraft was found overturned downslope from the field. The pilot, a 40-year-old experienced operator with 400 flight hours, sustained fatal injuries in the crash, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the accident site to reconstruct the flight path. The analysis revealed that the right wing of the Humbert "La Moto-du-Ciel" had struck the treetops of a hedge bordering the southern edge of the treatment area. The trees in this area ranged from ten to twenty meters in height. Evidence from the engine indicated that the powerplant was delivering power at the moment of impact with the ground.
Earlier that day, at approximately 13:30, the pilot had conducted a ground reconnaissance of the parcels to be treated, using a GPS to record coordinates and noting hazards such as an electrical line. At the time of the accident, the aircraft's weight was approximately 420 kg, which was within the manufacturer's maximum takeoff weight of 450 kg. Meteorological conditions were reported as CAVOK with light winds.
Findings
- The flight path required the pilot to execute a pull-up maneuver at the end of the second pass due to the presence of a tree line at the edge of the field.
- The pilot failed to sufficiently account for the proximity of the lateral hedge located to the south of the flight path.
- The low altitude of the aircraft at the time of the encounter left insufficient margin to recover control after the initial impact with the treetops.