What happened
On 25 February 2016, a pilot was conducting a ferry flight in an Extra 200, registration F-GPIT, from Fontenay – Trésigny to Avignon for scheduled maintenance. The pilot intended to fly in formation with a second aircraft, a Dynamic WT9, registered F-WVAP.
As the flight progressed, weather conditions deteriorated. The two aircraft lost visual contact, and the faster F-GPIT passed ahead of the leader. Upon entering Lyon airspace, air traffic controllers noted the separation between the aircraft and ended the formation flight.
Despite the deteriorating visibility, the pilot of F-GPIT continued the flight for approximately 30 minutes in conditions incompatible with Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The pilot attempted to divert to Saint-Etienne airport, but the destination was unavailable due to prevailing Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). While attempting to navigate toward Valence through a cloud layer, the pilot performed a series of 360-degree turns with significant altitude fluctuations. During these maneuvers, the aircraft struck wooded terrain, resulting in the fatal injury of the pilot and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The BEA investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making and the lack of communication with air traffic control. Investigators examined the aircraft's equipment, noting that F-GPIT lacked a directional gyroscope, making it difficult to maintain a constant heading during turbulence. The investigation also reviewed the controller's ability to detect the pilot's distress. While the pilot's voice remained calm, the controller did not recognize the undeclared emergency. The investigation also noted that the aircraft had slightly exceeded its scheduled maintenance interval.
Findings
- The pilot continued flying in weather conditions unsuitable for VFR without notifying ATC of the deteriorating situation.
- The pilot failed to declare an emergency situation despite encountering IMC.
- The air traffic controller was not specifically trained to detect VFR pilots in difficulty when they do not spontaneously report the situation.
- The aircraft was not equipped with modern radionavigation or a directional gyroscope, which hindered navigation in poor visibility.