Safety in Figures - BSV no.53
The table below summarises the accident statistics recorded from 1 January to 30 September 2018, classifying 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 with the latest known information (see the chart below), although not all minor accidents may appear for the current month because they sometimes reach us late.
Number of events by severity and by month (all microlights registered in France)
The number of deaths recorded at the end of September remains below the 2017 figures, despite a slight but usual peak in fatal accidents over the summer.
Without prejudging the reasons for this downward trend, we strongly recommend returns to flying (REV), which also call on everyone’s good judgement. Indeed, each pilot’s flying ability fluctuates over time; there are days when we may not be in top form, for example. Self-assessment therefore becomes the pilot’s first quality, one who then knows how to impose a precautionary “REV” on themselves. In addition to this return to flying, and since every year we record a few accidents, sometimes fatal, associated with engine failures, regular training in handling engine failure will not be wasted. We should bear in mind that engine failure in a microlight remains likely, and that the best way to give yourself every chance of handling it is always to plan your flight locally, within reach of an emergency field.
Wishing you all happy flying.
Pierre Kolodziej
Flight Safety Committee
Editorial
Getting our hands dirty
That’s it, back to school and work, the holidays are over, but the summer weather has allowed us some lovely flights whose memories will brighten the cold and misty days ahead. What lovely flights these past weeks: after a disastrous spring, the weather decided to give us an extra month of ideal conditions for our favourite pastime.
The Analyst's analysis
In September 2018, the BEA published its investigation report into the accident involving the three-axis microlight RANS S-6ES "Coyote II", registration 974GQ, which occurred on 30 March 2015 at Tan Rouge on Réunion Island.
Training Corner
We are regularly asked whether or not it is necessary to “turn over” the engine by hand to check the oil level. As the Rotax operator's manual states that this must be done, we asked the CNFTE, in the person of Master Rotax: Peyo and his partner Thomas.
What about doing a REV? > video guide
A question about the REV programme? > see our dedicated FAQ
