The Analyst's analysis
In June 2017, the BEA published the report on the accident involving the Nicollier HN 700 Ménestrel microlight registered 46-DX which occurred on 20 July 2016 at Lacave (46). The pilot was killed.
Full report at:
https://bea.aero//uploads/tx_elydbrapports/BEA2016-0427.pdf
Like many microlight accidents, the 46-DX accident can be outlined by the following sequence:
- The engine is not certified and loss of power is a possibility accepted by those who fly.
- Maintenance operations reduce the probability of failure.
- However careful the user, engine stoppage in flight can occur; this is an undesirable event (UE).
- When the UE occurs, the pilot uses his skills to control the attitude of his aircraft and bring it close to the ground with low energy.
- If the pilot's skills are lacking, the event ends in damage that defines the accident.
Careful reading of the report allows these five markers to be recognised.
Points 2 and 4 are of particular interest to us:
- Point 2, constantly recalled by the FFPLUM, notably at the start of the season, helps avoid engine failure and many other problems in flight.
- Point 4 suggests that pilots update skills which naturally erode over time. This erosion mainly affects skills that are used only exceptionally. This is one of the motivations for the Return to Flying (REV) programme.
Bernard Boudou
Flight Safety Analyst
