What happened
On 23 July 2018, a Cessna 172 N, registered F-GBJQ, was performing a local flight from the Belvès - Saint-Pardoux aerodrome. After taking off from runway 11, the pilot proceeded toward the right-hand downwind leg in accordance with the established aerodrome circuit. During the start of this downwind leg, the aircraft descended into a forest located approximately 1,100 meters south of the runway 29 threshold. The aircraft struck the treetops at an altitude of roughly 20 meters, leading to a ground impact and a subsequent fire. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The investigation examined the wreckage, the flight controls, and the propulsion system. Investigators found that the debris field was distributed in a line parallel to the runway over a distance of about 65 meters. While the front section of the fuselage was heavily damaged by the post-impact fire, the examination of the ailerons and flight controls showed that the metal control cables had fractured due to the impact rather than prior mechanical failure. The elevator trim was found in the neutral position, and the flaps were retracted.
Regarding the engine, although the fire prevented a detailed component analysis, the engine unit was found to rotate freely without internal breakage. Evidence from the propeller and vegetation indicated that the engine was producing torque at the time of the collision. Medical examinations of the pilot revealed no evidence of alcohol, drugs, or medication use, and no pre-existing disabling conditions were identified.