Accident to the Aero Services Guepard identified 12HP on 30/09/23 at Dragey-Ronthon

After flying to Villefranche-de-Rouergue aerodrome for repair work on his microlight, the pilot took off later than initially planned from this aerodrome to return to Dragey microlight base. The end of the flight was flown at night.

The pilot carried out three missed approaches very probably due to him not having sight of the runway. During the fourth runway circuit, the engine shut down due to fuel starvation. The pilot then activated the airframe parachute at a height that was too low to allow its
complete deployment.

It is probable, given the messages sent to his daughter, that the pilot had not envisaged carrying out a precautionary landing before the start of the night. On his arrival, he could not see the runway. He performed three go-arounds and runway circuits probably at a low height at night. The engine shut down at the end of the downwind leg due to fuel starvation. The pilot activated the microlight’s airframe parachute at a height that was probably less than the minimum height for using the parachute. The microlight collided with the ground with a nose-down attitude before rolling over onto its back.