What happened
On May 17, 2023, an Issoire Aviation APM20 “Lionceau”, registered F-GRPN, was conducting a cross-country flight from Étampes-Mondésir to Pontsur-Yonne. At approximately 18:30, a witness traveling near La Chapelle-la-Reine observed the aircraft fly overhead before it pitched into a nose-down attitude toward the ground.
The wreckage was located later that night in a sand quarry west of La Chapelle-la-Reine. The impact occurred with high energy, and the aircraft was destroyed. The pilot was fatally injured in the crash.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found that the wings were level at the time of impact, but the aircraft was in a nose-down attitude. While ruptures were found in the aileron and elevator control linkages, these were determined to be the result of the ground collision. The engine and powerplant showed substantial damage, but no mechanical failure was identified as a cause for the flight path.
The investigation also reviewed radar data and communications. Because the aircraft was not equipped with a transponder at the time of the flight—as the unit had been removed for repairs—radar tracks could not be definitively linked to the aircraft.
Medical and toxicological examinations of the pilot revealed that she had been prescribed antidepressants and anxiolytics following a diagnosis of severe depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation just weeks prior to the accident. Toxicological analysis confirmed the presence of these medications at levels that were not expected to significantly impair reflexes or vigilance.
Findings
- The aircraft entered a nose-down attitude while flying in a straight line.
- There were no technical or mechanical failures identified that could explain the sudden change in flight path.
- The pilot was undergoing treatment for depression and was taking psychotropic medication at the time of the flight.
- While certain evidence suggested the possibility of a deliberate act, the investigation could not reach a definitive conclusion on this matter.