What happened
On 13 June 2019, a Cessna 172RG, registration F-GEJD, was performing a cross-country flight from Muret-Lher to the restricted-use Sainte-Léocadie aerodrome in the Pyrenees. The pilot, who was accompanied by one passenger, arrived at the airfield and initiated an aerodrome pattern for runway 07.
During the sequence, the pilot executed a touch-and-go landing. As the aircraft began its initial climb, it encountered insufficient performance to maintain a safe climb gradient. The pilot reported perceived engine power issues over the radio. While attempting to maneuver, the aircraft turned left into a nearby valley, but the pilot lost control. The aircraft struck the ground and immediately caught fire, resulting in two fatalities.
The investigation
The BEA examined the wreckage located at an altitude of 1,295 m, noting that the airframe was heavily damaged by fire. Technical inspections of the engine revealed that while mechanical assemblies were in good working order, the carburetor and rear accessory case had melted. The investigation also analyzed the meteorological conditions, noting a Foehn effect caused by southerly winds, which generated moderate to strong turbulence and mountain wave systems in the area.
Furthermore, the investigators reviewed the aerodrome's specific operating procedures. At the time of the accident, the airfield's directives specifically prohibited touch-and-go landings on runway 07 due to the runway's 3.4% positive slope.
Findings
- The aircraft entered the critical area of the back side of the power curve, where an increase in the angle of attack leads to a decrease in airspeed and an increase in required power.
- The pilot likely misinterpreted the aircraft's inability to accelerate as a loss of engine power.
- The decision to perform a touch-and-go landing on runway 07 was made despite explicit aerodrome prohibitions.
- The pilot's lack of recent practical experience with the specificities of the Sainte-Léocadie aerodrome contributed to the error.
- Insufficient consideration was given to how the prevailing weather and runway slope would impact the aircraft's take-off performance.