Accident to the Tecnam P92 identified 73TH on 28/07/2022 at Val Thorens

The pilot took off from Albertville where there was a light south-westerly to westerly wind, for a flight bound for Val Thorens mountain airstrip. There was a strong southerly wind  in the mountains. Such a wind can cause violent downdrafts and turbulence on the lee side of the terrain. The pilot probably encountered these phenomena during the final approach to the airstrip and was forced to fly a missed approach. The microlight then collided with the terrain before the runway when the pilot tried to break away to the left facing the terrain.

The investigation was not able to determine how the pilot had prepared the flight, and in particular what weather information he had before taking off. It was not possible to obtain any information on the method and flight path used during the reconnaissance phase of the airstrip in preparation for landing.