Incident Overview
On May 16, 2017, a mid-air collision occurred between two aircraft operating in the traffic pattern at Chambéry Aix-les-Bains aerodrome (France). The accident involved a Piper PA-28-236 registered HB-PMP and a Breezer 600 registered D-EPDF. Both aircraft were engaged in local circuit flights under general aviation operations.
Sequence of Events
The Piper, carrying a pilot and an instructor from Lausanne, Switzerland, was conducting touch-and-go maneuvers on runway 36. The Breezer, piloted by a member of the local aeroclub, was also performing circuits. At 14:02, the Piper took off for its second circuit while the Breezer was in the crosswind leg. The controller instructed the Piper to be number two behind the Breezer.
During the downwind leg, the Piper's instructor requested a simulated flap failure. As the Piper approached the end of the downwind leg, the pilot informed the controller they would extend the leg. The controller noticed the radar blips of both aircraft were very close and asked if the other aircraft was in sight; the pilot replied negatively. Shortly after, the instructor reported a collision had occurred.
Consequences and Damage
The Breezer followed a descending trajectory after the impact and crashed into a parking area within an industrial zone. The pilot of the Breezer died from injuries sustained in the accident several weeks later. The aircraft was destroyed; its right wing, elevator, and vertical stabilizer were torn off during a subsequent collision with a utility pole. The emergency parachute was not deployed.
The Piper PA-28 sustained damage to its main gear fairings and tail surfaces, indicating it struck the Breezer from above. The instructor managed to land the Piper safely on runway 36.
Technical Factors
The Breezer was equipped with a TRX-1500 collision detection system. However, the audible alarms were inhibited at the time of the accident. The system generated visual and audible alerts based on proximity, but these had been frequent in previous circuit operations, potentially leading to alert fatigue. The Piper was not equipped with any anti-collision system, which is not mandatory by regulation.