Accident Overview
On 4 February 2010 at 12:57 UTC, a Piper PA-28-151 registered F-BXPQ and a Jabiru UL 450 identified 28-AGV collided in mid-air above the Bois de Saint-Martin, approximately 1 NM from the Epernon VOR and 20 NM from Toussus-le-Noble aerodrome. The collision occurred in visual meteorological conditions with visibility greater than 10 km, no significant clouds, and a south wind of 6 to 10 knots. The sun was at an azimuth of 193° and an elevation of 24° above the horizon.
Flight Details
The Piper F-BXPQ, owned by Aeropilot flying school, was conducting a solo navigation training flight. The student pilot, a 26-year-old male with 33 total flight hours (27 on type), had departed Toussus-le-Noble at 10:38, landing at L'Aigle and Alençon before returning. The Jabiru 28-AGV, privately owned and piloted by a 57-year-old male with 82 hours on type, had departed from the Pierres UL platform for a local flight. The exact takeoff time of the Jabiru could not be determined.
Collision and Wreckage
Radar data showed the Piper following a track of 075°. A witness observed the Jabiru approaching from the southeast. Both aircraft fell into a wooded area after the collision. The Piper wreckage was located in Saint-Martin-de-Nigelles, and the Jabiru wreckage in Saint-Lucien. Both aircraft impacted the ground with high speed and a near-vertical nose-down attitude. Examination of the Piper revealed rubber traces on the upper right engine cowl, consistent with a tire from the Jabiru. The Jabiru's right wing strut and right main landing gear leg were cut by a propeller blade from the Piper, as indicated by copper traces found on the fracture surfaces.
Pilot Information
The Piper pilot was a student working toward a Private Pilot License (PPL), having passed the theoretical exam in autumn 2009. His recent flying included a solo navigation to Dreux and a dual navigation to L'Aigle. The Jabiru pilot held a multi-axis ULM license since 2006 and maintained a logbook showing 82 hours on type, with his last recorded flight on 10 December 2009.
Communication and Equipment
Both aircraft were equipped with Mode A/C transponders and VHF radios. Neither pilot contacted flight information services, as regulations did not require it. The Piper had a Garmin GPS 150XL; the Jabiru carried two GPS units, but none contained data from the accident flight.
Investigation Findings
The investigation concluded that the collision resulted from the failure of the pilots to visually detect each other's aircraft. No other causal factors were identified. The BEA issued recommendations regarding onboard traffic detection systems.