What happened
On December 2, 2024, a Cessna 340, registration N340GJ, was conducting a practical examination for a multi-engine piston (MEP) class rating near Pernand-Vergelesses, France. The flight, involving a candidate pilot and an examiner, began at Beaune – Challanges aerodrome. Following an initial takeoff where the landing gear failed to retract, the crew returned to the departure airfield. After a ground inspection by the examiner revealed no obvious obstruction, the decision was made to proceed with the examination while keeping the landing gear extended.
During the second leg of the flight, the examiner directed the pilot through various maneuvers, including simulated engine failures. As the crew attempted to return to Bea/ne – Challanges, the examiner requested a descent. While descending through a cloud layer, the pilot lost all external visual references. Upon spotting greenery ahead, the pilot attempted to level the aircraft, but the Cessna 340 struck treetops at 1,175 ft before impacting a vineyard. The impact caused the aircraft to catch fire. The examiner successfully evacuated the aircraft and, with the assistance of a witness, rescued the pilot, who was unconscious.
The investigation
The BEA investigation focused on the sequence of events, the meteorological conditions, and the preparation for the flight. Investigators examined the wreckage, noting that the propeller blades were deformed in a manner consistent with both engines transmitting torque at impact. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's training background, noting that his recent MEP training was conducted on a much smaller, different aircraft (a Tecnam P2006) and that he had not completed the required differences training for the Cessna 340.
Findings
- The investigation identified time pressure as a significant factor, as the pilot was facing a calendar deadline to complete his rating, and the examiner had limited availability.
- The decision to continue the examination despite unsuitable meteorological conditions and an aircraft in an inadequate technical state (non-retracting landing gear) contributed to the accident.
- The pilot's previous experience flying through clouds with this specific examiner may have created a false sense of security regarding VFR flight in marginal weather.
- The lack of differences training between the pilot's training aircraft and the Cessna 340 increased the pilot's workload and reduced his familiarity with the aircraft's performance and procedures.
- Fatigue resulting from a lengthy car journey earlier that morning may have also contributed to the accident.