What happened
On 16 February 2020, a Piper PA2SB-181 Archer II, registered F-GFGO, was participating in a flying club excursion from Angoulême-Brie-Champniers to Millau-Larzac. The flight was part of a two-aircraft group, accompanied by a Cessna 172. While the pilot of the Archer II intended to navigate using ground references at altitudes between 3,000 and 4,000 feet, weather conditions near the destination had deteriorated significantly.
At approximately 12:08, the aircraft entered a low cloud layer at an altitude of roughly 3,200 feet. Within ten seconds of entering the clouds, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. Surveillance footage from nearby wind turbines captured the aircraft emerging from the cloud layer in a steep, nose-down attitude. The aircraft struck the ground 5 NM northwest of Millau-Larzac aerodrome, resulting in four fatalities and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The BEA investigation utilized several data sources, including radar data, GNSS computer records, radio communications, and analysis of surveillance footage from wind turbines located near the accident site. The investigation examined the aircraft's wreckage, which was found on a rocky plateau. The wreckage was largely intact, and investigators determined that the engine was delivering power and the flight control linkages were continuous, indicating that the damage was solely due to the impact and subsequent fire.
Investigators also reviewed meteorological reports from Météo-France. While the flight preparation included a meteorological file, the investigation noted that the two aircraft in the excursion operated independently, without a joint briefing or a shared diversion strategy. The investigation also looked into the pilot's experience and the specific weather conditions, which included low-level stratus and mountain obscuration.
Findings
- The pilot continued the flight toward the destination despite the onset of weather conditions unsuitable for visual flight rules (VFR).
- The decision to proceed to the destination aerodrome was made despite forecasts indicating adverse weather.
- The aircraft entered a cloud layer at a low altitude, leading to a rapid loss of control.
- A lack of coordination between the two aircraft in the excursion prevented a shared assessment of the meteorological risks or a unified diversion plan.