History of the Flight
The pilot departed from Bordeaux-Yvrac aerodrome, completed two circuits, and then flew to Libourne-Artigues-de-Lussac aerodrome for training. After a reconnaissance of the facilities, he entered the aerodrome circuit. During the final turn for runway 22, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, which struck a tree and then the ground. The accident occurred around 17:15 local time at Abzac, Gironde.
Pilot Information
The 63-year-old pilot held a Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplanes) issued on 5 November 2020, along with a single-engine piston rating and a valid medical certificate. He had accumulated 99 flight hours, including 29 hours as pilot-in-command. In the previous three months, he logged 5 hours 15 minutes, with 1 hour 55 minutes in the Cessna 172 and 2 hours 37 minutes as pilot-in-command. An autopsy found no pre-existing medical condition contributing to the accident.
Meteorological Information
Météo-France estimated the conditions at the accident time as: westerly wind at 10 knots, visibility exceeding 10 km, scattered cumulus clouds at around 5,000 feet, temperature 19°C, dew point 8°C, and QNH 1017 hPa.
Radar Track
Data from the Bordeaux-Mérignac radar showed that average speeds during the downwind and base legs were consistent with manufacturer recommendations. Loss of control occurred during the last turn. Between the last valid radar point and the flight path described by witnesses, the aircraft's height suddenly decreased by approximately 500 feet.
Witness Statements
Several witnesses in the hamlet Le Grand Sorillon observed the aircraft in a steep left bank at a height of about 20 meters. Some reported hearing variations in engine speed. Shortly after, they heard the sound of the collision. The accident site was approximately 200 meters north of the first houses in the hamlet.
Members of the flying club stated that the pilot had flown regularly since obtaining his license. On the day of the accident, he flew a Cessna 152 for 45 minutes in the morning and had lunch with an instructor, appearing normal. Another member flew F-GCNK for 50 minutes earlier that afternoon and reported no anomalies.
Aircraft Information
The Cessna F172-N is a four-seat, high-wing aircraft with a Lycoming O-320H2AD engine delivering 160 hp. It had logged about 12,360 flight hours. The aileron control system consists of taut metal cables guided by pulleys. The control yokes are interconnected by a metal cable loop with turnbuckles; each yoke branch has a chain and sprocket connection.
Examination of Site and Wreckage
The wreckage was found in a hedge at the edge of a field, at the base of an oak tree approximately 15 meters tall. The aircraft's final path was west to east. The tree trunk showed a cut at about 3 meters height, likely from a rotating propeller blade. The wreckage indicated a very steep left bank with a slight nose-down attitude just before impact.
The aircraft was complete but extensively deformed. Continuity was established for elevator, rudder, flap, and elevator trim controls. Flaps were extended to 10°. The chain connecting the two aileron control wheels was found open at the left (pilot's) side. Other roll control components were continuous. Engine examination did not indicate high torque transmission, though the propeller cut suggested rotation.
The left control wheel was detached from its longitudinal rod, the wheel base broken. The chain was open due to a broken pin, with surface corrosion observed. The sprocket had a broken tooth and an adjacent bent tooth. Textron Aviation stated that chain opening has been seen in accident aircraft, typically from impact loads, but without corrosion like that found on F-GCNK. The manufacturer noted that extensive chain corrosion can stiffen aileron controls and that the chain should have been replaced.
Maintenance
The aircraft had flown 30 hours since its last 200-hour inspection on 11-12 May 2021. The mechanic reported no anomalies. The inspection report referred to the manufacturer's Service Manual. Tasks for 50-hour and 100-hour inspections were appended and matched the manual; specific 200-hour tasks were not listed in the report. No issues with the aileron control system were documented.
Conclusions
During the last turn to land at Libourne-Artigues-de-Lussac aerodrome, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, resulting in collision with the ground.