What happened
On August 15, 2016, a pilot was performing a National 1 aerobatic program in an Extra 200, registration F-GZXV, at the Salon Eyguières airfield. The flight was being supervised from the ground by an instructor. After approximately 15 minutes of flight, the pilot continued the maneuvers, climbing to 3,0-foot altitude.
The pilot executed a sequence involving an inverted flight, a half-roll, and a negative spin, followed by a vertical dive and a 3/4 loop under positive G-load. During the peak of the maneuver, the aircraft entered a steep, high-energy dive at full power. An instructor on the ground heard the pilot exclaim "oh la vache" (oh my) via radio before the aircraft struck the ground. The impact was so severe that the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The BEA examined the wreckage, the aircraft's digital accelerometer, and a GoPro camera recovered from the cockpit. The investigation focused on the pilot's physiological state and the physical forces acting on the aircraft.
Analysis of the GoPro footage revealed that in the minutes preceding the final maneuver, the pilot showed signs of physical distress, including sweating, yawning, and frequent heavy breathing. During the final 3/4 loop, the video showed the pilot performing a sharp pull-up while contracting his abdominal muscles and holding his breath (apnea) for approximately six seconds. This was accompanied by a visible loss of muscle tone in the face and neck toward the end of the maneuver.
Findings
- The pilot failed to recognize physiological warning signs, such as sweating and yawning, which indicated a reduced ability to withstand G-forces.
- The pilot's attempt to mitigate positive G-loads by contracting abdominal muscles and holding his breath proved counter-productive.
- This specific breathing pattern, combined with the positive G-load, caused a decrease in blood flow and oxygen to the brain.
- The pilot experienced G-LOC (G-force Loss Of Consciousness) during the 3/4 loop, leading to the uncontrolled descent and subsequent fatal impact.