What happened
On the morning of May 13, 2004, a Humbert 912 ultralight aircraft, identified as 52-CW, was engaged in aerial spraying operations near Pressigny, France. The pilot, who operated an aerial work company, had taken off to treat a rapeseed field located approximately 50 kilometers from the departure point. After refueling and loading phytosanitary products near a nearby village, the pilot performed two reconnaissance passes over the target field.
During the turn following the first low-altitude pass on a heading of 050°, the aircraft's nose wheel and wing struck a medium-voltage power line. The line was positioned perpendicular to the spraying path at the edge of the field. The impact caused the aircraft to lose stability and enter a nose-down attitude, leading to an inverted crash in a field roughly 60 meters away from the power line. The impact resulted in one fatality and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the collision and the pilot's operational state. Investigators examined the wreckage and found no evidence of mechanical malfunction prior to the impact with the power line, which remained clearly identifiable at the scene.
Evidence established that the pilot had been operating in the area for seven years and was fully aware of the presence of the power line. However, the investigation revealed significant physiological factors affecting the pilot's performance. The pilot had only slept for two hours the previous night and had been working without interruption for the preceding fifteen days. Additionally, the pilot had expressed concerns before takeoff regarding the effectiveness of the spraying due to wind conditions, as the task had been delayed for two weeks due to weather.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was insufficient environmental scanning during the flight.
- The pilot's vigilance was significantly impaired by fatigue and a lack of sleep.
- Familiarity with the site likely contributed to a loss of situational awareness regarding the power line's location.