Safety in Figures - BSV no.56
The table below summarises the accident statistics recorded from 1 January to the end of December 2018, ranking victims by severity and distinguishing purely material-damage accidents. The second table shows accidents involving French-registered microlights that took place abroad with foreign crews.
The monthly statistics are updated according to the latest known information (see the chart below), although not all minor accidents may appear in the current month because they sometimes reach us late.
Number of events by severity and by month (all microlights registered in France)
Overall for the year 2018, the statistics improved compared with those of 2017 in the number of accidents, but also and above all with fewer deaths of French crews than last year (29 deaths in 2017). Without wishing to prejudge the reasons for this improvement, safety awareness actions and notably those of the REV type logically seem to contribute to this reduction in accidents. Indeed, although the apparent causes of the recorded accidents (e.g. low speed, flights undertaken in marginal conditions, inadequate management of ground “kill switches”) remain similar to previous years, their number has decreased overall.
So the efforts made by everyone to reduce our accident record seem to be bearing fruit, and it is all the more up to us to remain vigilant, particularly on the points that regularly contribute to accidents.
Wishing everyone the very best aeronautical wishes for this new year.
Pierre Kolodziej
Flight Safety Committee
Editorial
Cheers!!!!
The festive season is over, with its feasts and indulgence of every kind. Now is the time to make good resolutions about healthy living, so that you can approach your next flight in the best possible shape.
Training Corner
And my 2018 resolutions… how am I doing?
Remember: This year, I am careful not to let the validity dates of my machine's administrative documents lapse. This year, I make myself remove the cowlings for the engine pre-flight. This year, I no longer refuel in the hangar. This year, I keep an eye on the ageing of my fuel, I note the date of my last refuel in a notebook.
The Analyst's analysis
On 27 August 2016, late in the afternoon with favourable weather conditions, a microlight pilot carried out engine tests on the runway.
Source/BEA/aero: Take-off during take-off roll tests, loss of control in flight, collision with the ground
After an acceleration phase, the microlight takes off and, after a few seconds of flight, ground-loops. The aircraft is destroyed and the pilot dies.
What about doing a REV? > video guide
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