What happened
On October 12, 2010, a PIERRE ROBIN DR 400-180, registration F-GJLM, crashed into the northeast face of Alkurruntz Mountain in the Baztán Valley, Navarre. The aircraft was participating in the Raid Latecoere, a multi-day benefit air race. Due to poor weather, the race route had been modified to fly north of the Pyrenees toward San Sebastian.
At approximately 12:00 local time, the aircraft deviated from the established race path. While other participants continued southwest toward San Sebastian, F-GJLM turned south, heading directly into the Pyrenees. Radar data and GPS tracking showed the aircraft following a road through the valley before attempting maneuvers to find its way. At 12:17, the aircraft impacted the mountain at an elevation of 1,710 ft at high speed. The impact resulted in 3 fatalities.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's flight path via GPS tracking and radar echoes, as well as communications with the San Sebastian control tower. Investigators analyzed the wreckage, which showed signs of a high-speed frontal impact with a tree followed by the mountainside. The engine was found to be under power at the moment of impact, and no mechanical failures were identified.
Investigators also reviewed the crew's experience and the meteorological conditions. While the crew was experienced in visual flight, none held an instrument rating. The investigation also looked into the cause of the flight path deviation, noting that the aircraft's integrated GPS unit was destroyed and could not be recovered for data retrieval.
Findings
- The flight path was modified shortly before the accident due to weather.
- The crew transitioned from visual meteorological conditions to dense fog, which obscured the terrain.
- The aircraft was flying in an unexpected area because of a navigation error occurring 17 minutes before the crash.
- The aircraft was operating at high speed and with the engine under power at the time of impact.
- There were no mechanical or engine-related issues contributing to the accident.