Accident to the Robin DR300 registered F-BSPK le 24/09/23 at Calais

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On returning from an introductory flight, the pilot joined the RH downwind leg for runway 24 at an altitude of around 1,200 ft. In the base leg, at an altitude of 790 ft, the aeroplane collided with the lines of kites being flown by kiters who were carrying out non-declared kite fights. The approximately 500-m long tethers, the top part of which was covered by an abrasive material, cut into the LH and RH wings and severed the air data system making the latter inoperative. No jolts were felt on board, and no warnings or warning lights were activated. The pilot did not realise that this collision had occurred. At the end of the base leg, at an altitude of around 500 ft, he observed that the speed displayed on the airspeed indicator was progressively decreasing until it reached zero at the beginning of the final. He complied with the airspeed indicator failure procedure and landed without incident.

BEA is the French air safety investigation authority for civil aviation. The sole objective of the investigation is to improve air safety. It is intended neither to apportion blame nor to assess responsiblity.