The Analyst's analysis - BSV no.49
In September 2017, the BEA published the report on the accident involving the paramotor microlight registered 08-NR which occurred on 17 April 2016 at Raucourt-et-Flaba (08). The pilot, alone on board, was killed.
Full report at:
https://www.bea.aero/uploads/tx_elydbrapports/BEA2016-0209.pdf
A paramotor can be used without dedicated facilities on the ground. Choosing the take-off and landing environment is an additional responsibility for the pilot (see the Microlight Pilot's Manual, CEPADUES, 10th edition, pp 301 and 307).
The pilot of the 08-NR decided to take off from a field where the wind probably seemed calm, as it was sheltered by a clump of trees. In the initial climb, the wing met irregular and turbulent air. A loss of control at low height followed.
The report mentions a relatively brief initial training. Regarding the assessment of local air conditions or the handling of the aircraft, we have no indication of the content of the instruction sessions, nor of the knowledge acquired through use, nor in exchanges with other pilots. In aviation, maintaining skills and building experience generally seem necessary. In the company of an instructor, they are some of the objectives of a REV (Return to Flying). session.
Bernard Boudou
Flight Safety Analyst
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If this is true in everyday life, it is all the more true in our favourite pastime of microlight flying.
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About ten years ago, when I arrived in the south of France, many people told me: you know, it's simple here, the mistral is 3-6-9… describing the number of days it would blow for.
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Safety in Figures
The table below summarises the accident statistics recorded from 1st January to 30 May 2018, ranking victims by severity and distinguishing purely material-damage accidents.
What about doing a REV? > video guide
A question about the REV programme? > see our dedicated FAQ
