Flight History
The aircraft, a Robin DR-400-180 registered F-GXBB, was operated by the Aeroclub of Creil-Senlis-Chantilly. On 19 May 2016, three pilots were returning from the aerodrome of Coimbra, Portugal, to the aerodrome of Dax/Seyresse, France, under visual flight rules (VFR). The flight departed at 14:45 local time with an expected duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Due to cloud cover, the crew attempted to land at Vitoria Airport, but it was closed until 18:45. The crew then radioed their intention to proceed to Pamplona. Between 18:00 and 18:05, while over point E of the Vitoria control zone at 3,500 feet, the crew changed their preference and opted to head toward San Sebastian.
Final Moments
While the Vitoria tower and Bilbao approach were coordinating, radar contact with the aircraft was lost. The pilot had informed air traffic control that they were flying in the clouds but in visual contact with the ground. The final intermittent radio communication between the Vitoria tower and the aircraft occurred at 18:06.
At 18:10, eyewitnesses heard the sound of an impact in the air, associated with engine noise. They then observed the aircraft flying in a circular path at a steep downward angle toward houses in the town of Arbizu. The aircraft subsequently crashed within the town center.
Injuries and Damage
The three occupants—one pilot and two companions—were killed. The aircraft was destroyed. No other injuries or ground damage were reported.
Aircraft Information
The Robin DR-400-180, serial number 2499, was owned and operated by the Aeroclub of Creil-Senlis-Chantilly. The flight was classified as international general aviation pleasure.