Mid-air collision between two Jurca Tempête aircraft during airshow

Casualties unknown • FR

Two Jurca Tempête aircraft collided during a formation flight at the Biscarrosse hydrobase, resulting in one fatality and one serious injury.

What happened

On May 23, 2004, during the fourth presentation of the Nangis Alpha formation at the Biscar androsse airshow, two Jurca Tempête aircraft collided while performing a maneuver. The formation, consisting of nine single-seat aircraft, was transitioning from a holding pattern to the presentation axis by executing a left turn.

At the moment of the turn reversal, the aircraft F-PXKA (wingman number 2) and F-PXKU (wingman number 4) collided. The impact caused the F-PXKA to enter a vertical dive, striking the water with great force; the pilot of this aircraft was killed. The F-PXKU sustained damage to its right wingtip and was able to maintain partial control to perform an emergency landing on the water, though the pilot sustained serious injuries.

The investigation

The investigation examined wreckage from both aircraft and analyzed video recordings from spectators. The examination of the F-PXKU wreckage revealed significant damage to the right wingtip, including traces of yellow paint from the other aircraft, but confirmed that the flight controls and engine were functional prior to the collision. The F-PXKA wreckage showed that the tail section had partially separated from the fuselage, and the propeller was destroyed upon impact with the water.

Investigators also reviewed testimonies from the formation pilots. The flight leader reported that the formation had experienced significant turbulence during the holding phase. While the pilots typically increased spacing during such conditions without explicit orders, the investigation focused on the precision of the formation during the transition to the presentation axis.

Findings

  • The collision was caused by a failure to maintain proper position by the two wingmen while flying in turbulent atmospheric conditions.
  • The proximity of the holding area to the presentation axis forced the formation to intercept the axis using tight maneuvers, meaning the aircraft were not in a stabilized flight path when the presentation began.
  • The presence of strong turbulence caused variations in how individual pilots reacted, leading to insufficient separation between the aircraft.

Probable cause

The mid-air collision resulted from the inability of the wingmen to maintain their assigned positions within the formation due to heavy turbulence, compounded by the lack of a stabilized flight path during the axis interception.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-05-23 aircraft accident near FR?

Two Jurca Tempête aircraft collided during a formation flight at the Biscarrosse hydrobase, resulting in one fatality and one serious injury.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-05-23 involved a aircraft, at FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The mid-air collision resulted from the inability of the wingmen to maintain their assigned positions within the formation due to heavy turbulence, compounded by the lack of a stabilized flight path during the axis interception.

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