History of the Flight
The pilot, flying a local flight from Guéret-Saint-Laurent aerodrome with two family members, reported that during climb at an estimated height of 240 ft, he felt abnormal aircraft movements. The aircraft lost height without the pilot's immediate awareness. He suddenly saw branches as the aircraft struck trees and came to rest inverted. Occupants exited the wreckage unaided. Emergency services were alerted by an automatic emergency call from a passenger's smartphone.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was an FFA AS 202/15-1 Bravo, serial number 130, built in 1980, with 11,540 flight hours. It was powered by a Lycoming O-320 engine producing 150 hp. Empty weight was 684 kg, maximum takeoff weight 999 kg. The BEA estimated takeoff weight at approximately 970 kg, with center of gravity within limits. The flight manual recommends takeoff flaps at 15°, with stall speed at 50 kt in symmetrical flight. The flap indicator showed positions at 0°, 15°, 30°, and 41°.
Pilot Information
The 58-year-old pilot held a private pilot license issued April 2020, with 77 flight hours. He completed initial training on the AS202 and later flew almost exclusively on a DR400 for over four years. After a break from flying between June 2023 and August 2024, he was approved by an instructor to fly the DR400 and had logged 2 hours 5 minutes on that type. The accident flight was his first on the AS202 in over four years.
Meteorological Information
Weather station data at the aerodrome indicated visibility greater than 10 km, wind from 030° at 5 to 6 kt, and temperature 28°C. The pilot reported an outside temperature of 32°C.
Wreckage and Site
The wreckage was located in a wooded area northeast of Guéret-Saint-Laurent aerodrome, roughly aligned with runway 04-22, about 1,800 m from the end of runway 04, at an altitude of approximately 1,300 ft near a hilltop. The fuselage broke into two parts aft of the cabin. The wreckage was inverted in vegetation, compressed, and partly covered by broken branches. The BEA conducted on-site observations but no further technical examinations due to extensive damage and the pilot's report of normal engine operation. The position of the flaps at the time of the accident could not be confirmed.
Probable Cause
The BEA report states: "Probable flight on the backside of the power curve after take-off, collision with vegetation."