What happened
On February 10, 2001, at 14:10, a mid-air collision occurred near Combloux, France, involving two Jodel D 119 aircraft. The first aircraft, a Jodel D 119 registered F-PINP, had departed from Megève altiport at 14:05 for a flight instruction mission toward the Mont Blanc massif. Simultaneously, a second Jodel D 119, registered F-PMEO, departed from a private airfield at La Gravière, near Les Houches, intending to fly to Megève for refueling.
As both aircraft were climbing along the northern flank of Mont d’Arbois on approximately opposing headings, they collided in Class G airspace. The impact occurred between the left wing of F-PIN and the engine of F-PMEO. The collision resulted in three fatalities** and the destruction of both aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight paths, cockpit visibility, and environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators noted that while the cockpit configuration of these aircraft provides excellent visibility, several factors prevented the pilots from seeing one another. The investigation also reviewed radio communications, noting that the pilots were not monitoring the same frequency at the time of their respective transmissions, which prevented them from being aware of each other's presence.
Findings
Several contributing factors led to the failure to perceive the other aircraft:
- The sun's position, approximately 45 degrees to the left of the F-PMEO flight path, may have caused glare during the climb.
- Both aircraft were flying without lights.
- Low visual contrast existed between the white aircraft and the snow-covered ground.
- The pilots were operating on different radio frequencies, preventing mutual awareness through communication.
- The nature of the flight instruction on F-PINP likely caused the instructor to shift much of the required vigilance to the student pilot.
- The favorable meteorological conditions may have led to a decrease in pilot alertness.