Accident to the Air Création Bionix 13 identified 21ANN on 05/10/2023 at Vignoles
Unnecessary manoeuvres for the management of the flight, tumbling, rupture of wing, collision with ground, during a local flight for remuneration
The occupants of the flex-wing microlight were carrying out a sightseeing flight. The pilot performed "thrill manoeuvres” that reduced safety margins, including low passes and a pull-out. During the ascent of this pull-out, the flex-wing was flying at low speed and stalled. It then started tumbling. When the flex-wing turned over onto its back, one of the pilot’s lap belt straps slipped and was freed from the buckle. The pilot who was no longer fastened in his seat was then ejected. The flex-wing continued its fall until collision with the ground.
The loosening of the strap in the female buckle may have been aided by incorrect assembly of the locking cam, or by the inverted assembly of the strap around this cam. This loosening may also have been facilitated by not using the shoulder strap. Once loosened to its full length, the strap came out of its metal buckle due to the thinness of its hem.