What happened
On the evening of 21 December 2021, a Cirrus SR22 (G2), registration N565CK, departed Oyonnax-Arbent for a night VFR flight to Auxerre-Branches. During the approach to Auxerre, the pilot established contact with the AFIS officer at 17:49, reporting an arrival time in two to three minutes. The officer provided weather updates, noting that runway lights were at maximum brightness and that mist was present at 100 feet above ground level.
As the aircraft progressed through the approach, the pilot confirmed he was overhead the runway and later reported being on the left-hand downwind leg for runway 36, stating he had sight of the runway. However, less than a minute after his final radio transmission, the pilot ceased all communication. Radar data indicated the aircraft had descended from 2,000 feet to 1,175 feet before the last recorded point at 17:55. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground approximately two kilometers southwest of the runway 36 threshold, resulting in a high-energy impact, a post-crash fire, and the death of the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation examined the wreckage, which showed the aircraft struck the ground with a high left-roll angle and a low nose-down angle. The engine separated upon impact, and the aircraft came to rest on its back. Analysis of the aircraft's electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) and engine parameters revealed no technical failures prior to the accident.
Investigators also reviewed meteorological data, which showed that visibility at the aerodrome had degraded from 5 kilometers at 17:49 to approximately 900 meters by the time of the accident due to the formation of fog. Statements from the AFIS officer and an instructor pilot were also analyzed. The AFIS officer noted that the pilot had struggled with similar weather conditions just two days prior and appeared to be managing the night flight with some difficulty. Furthermore, the pilot's logbook revealed that he had not performed a night flight in 14 years.
Findings
- The pilot likely lost external visual references between the downwind leg and the final approach due to the presence of fog and darkness.
- The pilot's lack of recent night VFR experience significantly contributed to the inability to maintain situational awareness in deteriorating conditions.
- The pilot's probable determination to complete the flight to Auxerre, despite having been forced to divert two days earlier due to similar weather, may have influenced his decision-making.