What happened
On May 3, 2008, at approximately 19:27, a mid-air collision occurred between two ultralight aircraft during their initial climb from the unpaved runway 04 at Châteauroux Villers. The first aircraft, a Dragon Fly 2 with registration 36-HZ, was following a Cosmos Bidulm, registration 36-JW, at a distance of approximately thirty meters.
Witnesses observed both aircraft performing a right-hand turn at the midpoint of the runway. During this maneuver, the two aircraft collided at an altitude of roughly forty meters above the aeroclub hangars. The impact caused both aircraft to fall to the ground. The collision resulted in two fatalities and the total destruction of both aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation examined the wreckage of both aircraft and gathered eyewitness testimony to reconstruct the flight paths. Analysis of the 36-JW wreckage revealed that the cable connecting the spreader bar to the underside of the right leading edge had been torn from its attachment point. The right wing structure showed evidence of upward bending failure, and the landing gear support cables were severed. The wreckage of the 36-HZ showed relatively minor wing damage, though the front of the cockpit was destroyed after the aircraft struck a tree during its descent.
Investigators also noted that neither aircraft was equipped with a radio. While the exact intentions of the pilots could not be determined, evidence suggested they had likely decided to fly together.