What happened
On March 10, 2011, at 15:30, a Pioneer 200 ultralight, registration 69-VO, was conducting a training flight departing from the Belleville Villié Morgon airfield. During the flight, the instructor simulated an engine failure as the aircraft approached the La Croix Rozier altisurface. The instructor instructed the student pilot to manage the situation, an exercise that included the possibility of a go-around.
As the student approached the unpaved runway 12, the instructor noted that the approach was too long. The instructor took control of the aircraft and initiated a go-around. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck trees located at the end of the runway, resulting in heavy damage to the ultralight.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight profiles and the experience of the crew. The instructor, a highly experienced pilot with approximately 10,000 total flight hours, was conducting a proficiency flight. The student pilot had 23 total flight hours, all on this aircraft type, though they had not flown since June 2009.
Investigators noted that the instructor did not hold the specific mountain flying label provided by the FFPLUM. Furthermore, the investigation highlighted that performing a go-around on an altisurface is strongly discouraged due to the upward slope of the runway.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the instructor's decision to conduct an engine failure simulation exercise on an altisurface.
- A tailwind during the final approach contributed to an elongated approach path.
- Wind shear or downdrafts at the end of the runway likely contributed to the impact with the vegetation.