History of the Flight
On 12 October 2003, a Cirrus SR-22 aircraft, registration N-100BR, departed from Ibiza Airport (LEIB) on a return flight to Bale/Mulhouse Airport (LFSB), its operating base. The flight was a recreational, non-commercial VFR flight with four occupants on board, including the pilot. The aircraft had been refueled immediately prior to departure.
The submitted flight plan specified a takeoff time of 11:00 local time, a cruising speed of 170 knots, an estimated flight time of 4 hours, and an endurance of 5 hours. The planned route included waypoints: N (northerly departure point from CTR Ibiza), BGR (VOR in Bagur), PPG (Perpignan), followed by points in the Marseilles FIR, MTL-TIIP-CBY, airports LSGL and LSGY, and finally LFSB. The actual takeoff time was 11:40 local time. According to Barcelona FIR data, the aircraft reached the forecasted flight level of 1,500 ft and speed of 170 kt at 11:46:18.
The accident occurred at approximately 13:10 local time on the southern slopes of the Montes Alberes mountains, about 6 km north of Espolla in the province of Girona.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Cirrus SR-22, registration N-100BR. It was privately owned and operated. The flight plan indicated standard COM/NAV equipment, a transponder with A/C modes, emergency equipment (VHF radio and emergency beacon), and survival equipment including a maritime raft for four persons.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time of the accident, there were mist and low clouds which hid the mountain peaks from view.
Wreckage and Impact
The aircraft sustained a direct impact against the mountain. The wreckage was located on the southern slopes of the Montes Alberes.
Synopsis According to the Investigation
The accident occurred as a result of a direct impact against a mountain when the aircraft was flying in the presence of mist and low clouds which hid the peaks from view.