Accident to the Flight Design - CTSW identified 83AGL on 06/08/2020 at Cruis (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)

Cat. 2 investigation report: simplified-format report, adapted to the circumstances of the occurrence and the investigation stakes.

The pilot carried out an approach to a microlight strip where he was probably landing for the first time. In the presence of a tailwind component, he encountered difficulties stabilising on final.
The wheels touched down at the chevrons, which is the aiming point indicated on the strip chart, with the flaps in the landing configuration and a speed consistent with that recommended in the flight manual. Due probably to abnormal contact with the runway, the pilot decided to take off again despite the runway’s slope.
During this take-off, the flaps initially remained extended in the landing configuration. The pilot did not have the power necessary to both maintain the speed and adopt a sufficient climb slope.
The microlight therefore flew at low speed and with a high angle of attack, with the engine delivering maximum power, which is a typical backside of the power curve situation. The pilot retracted the flaps, probably to attempt to increase his speed, and the microlight stalled at a height of around 12 metres. The pilot was unable to regain control of the path before the collision with the ground.