History of the Flight
The flight departed Caen-Carpiquat Airport around 08:10 under Instrument Flight Rules. The pilot, accompanied by two passengers, requested a climb from flight level 110 to 130, then to FL150, which was approved. At approximately 09:30, the pilot requested a Required Navigation Performance (RNP) approach, intending to use the Initial Approach Fix QM403. The controller cleared the aircraft to descend toward waypoint LISMO. Around 10:00, the controller instructed the pilot to turn left direct to QM403 and descend as desired. The aircraft passed QM403 at 6,500 feet, then QM402 at 4,300 feet. The pilot contacted the aerodrome's AFIS officer, who reported visibility of 4,000 m and a ceiling of 400 ft. At about 10:16, the aircraft levelled at 3,500 feet, then initiated a final descent. The pilot reported passing QM406 and asked for the ceiling. At 5 NM from the runway threshold, the aircraft intercepted the glideslope and descended at up to 2,000 ft/min. Shortly after, the aircraft climbed and descended multiple times. At 10:18:35, at an altitude of approximately 3,330 feet and 3 NM from the runway threshold, the aircraft suddenly lost altitude. Witnesses observed the aircraft emerge from clouds in a spin and disappear behind trees. The parachute rocket activated, but the parachute did not deploy in time.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft, a Cirrus SR22 registered N918SE (second generation), was equipped with a Continental IO-550 N engine, a Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), and a Precise Flight oxygen supply system that was inoperative and not maintained, with an empty oxygen bottle. The aircraft had a Primary Flight Display, Multi-Function Display, autopilot, and two GNSS computers capable of flying LPV approaches. The approach speeds (IAS) with flaps retracted: 90-95 kt; flaps 50%: 85-90 kt; flaps 100%: 80-85 kt. Stall speeds: clean configuration 70 kt, flaps 50% 67 kt.
Wreckage and Impact
The wreckage was located in a group of trees about 3 NM northeast of the threshold of runway 23 at Besançon-La Vèze aerodrome, on the runway axis. The aircraft was completely burnt by a post-impact fire. Flight control continuity was verified on all three axes, except in the tail where fasteners had melted. The engine showed no crankcase rupture and appeared to have been providing power. The Emergency Locator Transmitter activated on impact, but was not registered in the US ELT register, limiting additional information for search and rescue operations.
Meteorological Conditions
During the flight, cloud cover was broken to overcast with bases between 1,000 and 4,000 feet and tops between 12,000 and above 15,000 feet. The freezing level was around FL100 with locally moderate icing above. In the Besançon area, rain and drizzle reduced visibility to between 1,500 and 8,000 m.
Additional Information
The pilot was an associate owner of the aircraft, which was operated for business purposes. The front-seat passenger was a friend; the rear-seat passenger was expected for a business meeting. The pilot was not paid. The oxygen system was inoperative by owner request under FAA privileges, with an INOP label affixed. The aircraft had been used regularly for similar flights.