History of the Flight
On 19 July 2021, a Cessna 182 (registration F-HAEB) operated by Aéroclub Vauclusien departed Avignon-Caumont airport at approximately 06:50 local time for a private cross-country flight to Propriano aerodrome in Corsica under a VFR flight plan. While cruising at FL095, the pilot noticed low engine manifold pressure. After adjusting it, he heard a loud suction noise followed by a sudden reduction in engine power. A red warning light for a major engine failure illuminated. The pilot performed the emergency procedure for an engine failure in flight. When the failure persisted, he switched to "Mechanical Backup" mode.
The pilot notified the Ajaccio flight information service controller of the engine problem and initiated a descent. The controller instructed him to head toward the coast, aim for an area with boats, and activate the emergency locator transmitter. A helicopter pilot in the Gulf of Porto diverted to assist and guided the pilot toward nearby sailing boats. During the ditching, the aeroplane turned over. The passengers and pilot evacuated, triggered the life raft, and were rescued by occupants of a sailing boat. The aeroplane sank quickly; the helicopter pilot reported the position to the controller.
Additional Information
The aeroplane was equipped with a SAFRAN SMA SR305-230-E-MA02 electronically controlled, turbocharged diesel engine. An annual "100-hour" inspection had been performed on 14 July 2021, and 11 flight hours had been logged since. The pilot, aged 21, held a Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplanes) issued in June 2020 and had 148 total flight hours, including 11 hours in this type and about 50 hours in the previous six months. The chief pilot of the flying club had explained the ditching procedure to him in June 2021.
Meteorological conditions at the accident site, as estimated by Météo-France, included a 325° wind at 7 kt at sea level, visibility greater than 10 km, clear sky to few clouds, temperature 24°C, and calm sea with swell less than 0.5 m from the west and a light southwesterly current.
The pilot reported that before ditching, manifold temperature reached 890°C (exceeding the manual's maximum of 790°C) and he felt intense heat on his feet. He configured full flaps and attempted to land parallel to a boat. He heard a stall warning just before impact. The pilot had activated the emergency locator transmitter as requested, which produced distracting noise during subsequent communications.
The front passenger confirmed hearing a noise before the power reduction and that the pilot twice reminded them of the ditching procedure. The helicopter pilot observed a grey trail behind the aeroplane and that flaps were extended at ditching; the impact was violent, and the aeroplane overturned and sank quickly. He alerted the sailing boat crew to rescue the occupants.
The wreckage was not recovered due to sea depth.
Conclusions
The investigation was unable to determine the causes of the engine failure, as the wreckage could not be examined. The pilot's knowledge of the ditching procedure, controller's advice, and helicopter pilot's assistance minimized consequences. The early activation of the emergency locator transmitter disturbed the pilot's subsequent communications.