What happened
On Sunday, 15 October 2023, a Cessna 208, registered F-HSLE, was conducting skydiving operations near the Gap-Tallard aerodrome in France. The aircraft, operated by Skydive Center, had already completed five successful jumps that morning. During the sixth flight of the day, after the skydivers had exited the aircraft, the pilot began a descent toward the aerodrome.
While performing a wide left turn to join the final approach, the pilot deviated from the established flight path. At an altitude of approximately 6,400 ft, the aircraft turned right onto a south-westerly heading and continued in a straight line. The aircraft subsequently struck the side of a mountain near Crigne peak at a high-energy, nose-down attitude. The impact caused a fire that destroyed the aircraft and resulted in the fatal injury of the pilot.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage, which was located in a mid-mountain ravine at an altitude of roughly 1,300 m. Although the wreckage was heavily damaged by the high-speed impact and subsequent fire, investigators were able to confirm that the aircraft was intact at the time of collision. Analysis of the flight path, radio communications, and radar data revealed that the aircraft's deviation from the standard approach was not explained by any existing air traffic or procedural requirements.
Radio recordings between the pilot and the aerodrome controller showed no reports of technical malfunctions or emergencies. However, a final radio exchange with the ground crew, occurring just seconds before the impact, noted a distinct change in the pilot's vocal intonation. Witnesses in the area reported seeing the aircraft at a very low altitude and high speed just before the collision.
Findings
- The pilot's flight path and speed, combined with the change in vocal tone during the final radio contact, indicate a deliberate manoeuvre.
- The pilot was experiencing significant personal distress due to a recent separation from his spouse and professional frustrations regarding a failed attempt to obtain an Instrument Rating.
- The investigation concluded that the deviation from the return circuit was compatible with a sudden, violent impulse to escape his psychological circumstances.