What happened
On 28 March 2021, a CAP 1-0B aircraft, registration F-GPVI, was involved in a fatal accident at Villeneuve-sur-Lot aerodrome. The pilot, who was returning from a local flight, performed a series of high-speed, low-altitude maneuvers near the aerodrome's clubhouse, where friends and family were gathered. After an initial low-level flyby, the pilot executed a series of aerobatic figures, including a half-loop and a left-hand half roll. Following these, the pilot initiated a left-hand "wing over" maneuver—a vertical climb followed by a steep-angle descent. During this final maneuver, the aircraft struck the ground in a grassy area near the runway, resulting in the death of the pilot and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation utilized data from a digital accelerometer, video recordings from the aerodrome, and wreckage analysis. The accelerometer confirmed the flight lasted 24 minutes and did not exceed manufacturer-recommended G-load limits, though it recorded a peak of +11.6 G at the moment of impact. Video analysis from a nearby refueling station showed the aircraft flying at approximately 120 kt during a low flyby at 8 meters altitude. The footage also revealed that the final, fatal maneuver was initiated at an altitude of approximately 220 feet, which was insufficient to complete the vertical turn safely. Examination of the engine and flight controls showed no evidence of mechanical failure or loss of control linkage prior to the impact.
Findings
- The pilot initiated a vertical maneuver at an insufficient altitude to avoid ground impact.
- The pilot failed to increase engine power to compensate for the energy loss during the sequence of maneuvers.
- The desire to perform a display for spectators on the ground likely influenced the pilot's decision-making.
- The presence of observers may have reduced the pilot's risk awareness.