Fatal collision with terrain during cross-country flight in France

Casualties unknown • French is the work of reference., FR

A single-engine DYN AERO MCR 01 crashed into a hillside in the Cévennes region, resulting in the death of the pilot after the aircraft entered IMC.

What happened

On September 16, 2023, a DYN AERO MCR 01, registered F-PJEA, was performing a cross-country flight from Corsica to Cassagnes-Bégonhes via Vinon-sur-Verdon. The pilot, flying solo, was aware of deteriorating weather conditions and had planned an indirect route to avoid active storm zones. During the flight, the pilot communicated with air traffic controllers, noting that he was navigating around weather disturbances and intended to reach his destination despite the challenging conditions.

As the aircraft approached the Cévennes region, a rainstorm caused the cloud base to descend to the ground, significantly reducing visibility. At approximately 17:00, while flying at roughly 4,400 ft, the pilot lost all external visual references. In an attempt to maneuver, the pilot executed a steep-bank 360-degree turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft descended to an altitude of less than 85 m above the terrain before climbing back to 4,725 ft. Following this turn, the pilot reported being in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and requested a heading to return to Aubenas. Shortly after this request, the aircraft entered a tight right-hand turn and a steep descent, leading to a high-energy collision with a hillside at an altitude of 1,030 m. The pilot was fatally injured, and the aircraft was destroyed.

The investigation

The BEA analyzed data from the pilot's tablet (SDVFR application), the aircraft's AvMap EngiBox engine monitor, radar recordings, and radio communications. The engine parameters recorded by the EngiBox indicated that the engine was operating normally throughout the flight until the impact. The investigation also examined meteorological reports from Météo-France and witness statements from the site. The wreckage distribution suggested the aircraft struck the terrain while flying alongside the slope at a high horizontal speed.

Findings

  • The pilot was aware of the degraded weather conditions and the potential for low ceilings but proceeded with the flight.
  • The aircraft entered IMC due to the approach of a rainstorm, leading to the loss of visual references.
  • The pilot'ed performed a high-rate, steep-bank turn that brought the aircraft dangerously close to the terrain.
  • The pilot's previous experience with instrument flight (held between 1993 and 2004) may have contributed to a delayed decision to divert or land when visibility deteriorated.

Probable cause

The pilot lost visual references due to encroaching clouds and rainstorms, subsequently performing a steep maneuvering turn that brought the aircraft into extremely low altitude over mountainous terrain, ultimately leading to a loss of control and collision.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2023-09-16 DYN AERO MCR 01 accident near French is the work of reference., FR?

A single-engine DYN AERO MCR 01 crashed into a hillside in the Cévennes region, resulting in the death of the pilot after the aircraft entered IMC.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2023-09-16 involved a DYN AERO MCR 01, registration F-PJEA, at French is the work of reference., FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot lost visual references due to encroaching clouds and rainstorms, subsequently performing a steep maneuvering turn that brought the aircraft into extremely low altitude over mountainous terrain, ultimately leading to a loss of control and collision.

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