History of the Flight
The pilot, accompanied by three passengers, departed Saint-Pierre aerodrome at approximately 09:35 for a local flight over Piton de la Fournaise. The pilot informed the tower controller of an intention to pass point PS. Around 09:40, the pilot reported being at point PS and left the frequency. Photographs taken by a passenger indicate the aircraft then proceeded north along the Langevin River ravine. Shortly after reaching Cassé de la Plaine des Sables, the pilot initiated a right turn. The aircraft collided with the ground seconds later.
Wreckage and Site Information
The wreckage was found inverted on a rocky volcanic plateau at an altitude of about 2,260 meters, near the cliff of Cassé de la Plaine des Sables. Ground marks suggest the aircraft struck the ground a few meters before its final position, then bounced southward. Structural distortions, more pronounced on the right side, are consistent with a right bank at impact.
The ignition key was in the "left magneto" position, and the mixture control was slightly pulled out, suggesting the pilot had likely adjusted the mixture for altitude. Examination of the airframe revealed no anomalies. The engine was delivering power at impact. Further examinations identified an insulation defect in the ignition wire for cylinder No. 3 on the left magneto harness, which could have caused a power reduction. A twisted needle in the fuel manifold diaphragm, likely pre-existing, may have disrupted fuel response.
Survival Aspects
The high-energy impact and the wreckage's position left little chance of survival. All occupants had their seatbelts fastened. Upon emergency services' arrival, the two rear passengers were deceased. The pilot and front passenger were seriously injured; the pilot was placed in a coma and died from injuries 15 days later.
Pilot Information
The 50-year-old pilot held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL(A)) since August 2013 and worked as an airline co-pilot since August 2011. He also served as an instructor at the Aéroclub du Sud. His logbook recorded approximately 2,000 flight hours in light aircraft. In the year before the accident, he had logged about 750 hours, including 655 hours in airliners, 78 hours in a Pilatus PC6, 9 hours in the Cessna 172, and other types. He regularly flew paragliders.
Meteorological Information
On the accident day, a moderate southeasterly flow of about 15 knots prevailed. Around 10:00, winds near the accident site were 20–25 knots at approximately 1,500 meters and about 10 knots at 3,000 meters, with potential for uplift, downdrafts, and turbulence. METAR reports at Saint-Pierre showed winds from 130° at 19–22 knots with gusts up to 35 knots. A microlight pilot who overflew the area about 10 minutes before the accident reported windy conditions typical for the area, with no downdrafts at 8,500 feet. Another microlight pilot described laminar flow at 8,500 feet but expressed concern about downdrafts at lower altitudes due to the easterly wind. Hikers at Rempart des Sables reported very strong winds with gusts and no cloud cover.
Witness Statements
The front right passenger reported no anomalies during the flight and stated the pilot did not declare an emergency. Approaching Plaine des Sables, the passenger observed the aircraft was lower than the ridge tops; seconds later, the aircraft "turned over" to the right. Hikers heard an engine running with "jolts" and saw the inverted aircraft and a plume of smoke, prompting them to alert emergency services.
Video and Photo Analysis
A video recorded by a rear-seat passenger, lasting 1 minute and 13 seconds, ended moments before the accident. It showed the aircraft flying along the Langevin ravine, slightly below the ridge line, approaching Cassé de la Plaine des Sables, then partially overflying it before gradually banking right. Spectral analysis of the audio indicated stable engine speeds between 2,310 and 2,350 rpm, with a slight drop to 2,270 rpm in the last second, consistent with turbulence. No stall warning was heard. The right bank angle increased to about 35° before the video stopped. Photogrammetry determined the aircraft's precise altitude and position near Cassé.
Photographs taken at approximately 09:41 placed the aircraft at an altitude of about 2,100 feet near point PS.