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Accident to the Sauper aviation J300 Joker identified 63ACL on 31/12/2022 at Volvic

Turbulence, loss of control, collision with ground

Responsible entity

France - BEA

Investigation progression Closed
Progress: 100%

After flying overhead the town of Volvic, the pilot decided to continue his flight heading towards the Chaîne des Puys volcano range, which he approached from the east at a height of approximately 500 ft, although there was a south-westerly wind blowing in the region. This path resulted in him being downwind of the terrain and exposed to an area of disturbed and turbulent air. The pilot chose to descend, thinking that the turbulence would be lighter, when, in fact, it increased the closer he got to the ground. The microlight was destabilised by a gust of wind and entered into a sharp right turn. The pilot did not manage to regain control of the microlight before it collided with the ground.