What happened
On March 11, 2015, a DR400-120, registration F-GDYC, departed from Argentan aerodrome for a local flight. The pilot was accompanied by three passengers, all of whom were her children, aged 9, 11, and 13. After flying north along the coast, the aircraft returned toward the departure airfield.
During the final approach to runway 04, the aircraft's flight path altered significantly. A witness observed that after the final turn, the aircraft pitched up, veered to the left, and then descended rapidly. The aircraft struck the ground in a marshy field approximately 1,400 meters from the runway threshold. The impact resulted in four fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The BEA examined the wreckage and found the aircraft was intact at the moment of impact, with the wings level and a steep nose-down attitude. No evidence of mechanical failure in the flight controls or the engine was found; the engine and propeller were still rotating at the time of impact. The pilot's seat was positioned at the maximum forward position, consistent with her size.
Meteorological conditions at the time were favorable for VFR flight, with good visibility and light winds. However, toxicological analysis of the pilot revealed the presence of psychotropic medications in her blood. These medications had been prescribed in February 2015 as part of a psychiatric treatment plan. While the pilot held a valid Class 2 medical certificate, she had not undergone a new medical evaluation following the commencement of this treatment.