What happened
On the afternoon of 10 October 2020, two separate sightseeing flights were operating in the Loire châteaux region of France. The first aircraft, a DR400–140 registered F-BXEU, departed Poitiers-Biard airport at approximately 15:20 carrying a pilot and two passengers. Shortly after, an Alpi Aviation Pioneer 300 microlight, identified as 37AHH, departed Châtellerault-Targé aerodrome with a pilot and one passenger.
As the aircraft progressed through the Loire valley, they performed various maneuvers over local landmarks. At approximately 16:44, the pilot of F-BXEU began a right-hand circling maneuver over the Loches château. Simultaneously, the pilot of 37AHH was performing a left-hand circling maneuver over the same area. At 16:45, the two aircraft collided almost head-on at an altitude of roughly 1,200 feet south of Loches. The impact caused both aircraft to lose portions of their left wings. The pilot of 37AHH lost control of the microlight, triggering the activation of its airframe parachute; however, the aircraft struck the ground and caught fire. The DR400–140 also lost control and crashed into bramble bushes. The collision resulted in four fatalities across both aircraft.
The investigation
The BEA investigation focused on the circumstances leading to the loss of separation and the performance of the microlight's safety systems. Investigators examined radar data, radio communications, and the wreckage of both aircraft. The investigation specifically analyzed the flight information services in effect at the time and the operational status of the airframe parachute on the Pioneer 300.
Findings
Investigators determined that the mid-air collision occurred in Class G airspace, where the responsibility for separation rests on the "see and avoid" principle. The primary cause was a lack of visual contact between the two pilots, as their attention was diverted by the maneuvers over the Loches château. Furthermore, while the pilot of 37AHH had been advised to contact the Paris Flight Information Centre (FIC), the pilot of F-BXEU had attempted to contact the center but received no reply and did not attempt to call back, leaving the aircraft without updated flight information.
Regarding the safety equipment, the investigation revealed a critical issue with the Pioneer 300's airframe parachute. Tests conducted by the BEA demonstrated that the metal cables used to secure the parachute suffered failures under loads significantly lower than the manufacturer's specifications. Specifically, the cable dead ends slipped within the U-bolt grips under loads below the required tensile breaking strength, meaning the reliable deployment of the parachute cannot be guaranteed.
Safety action
Following the investigation, the BEA issued two safety recommendations:
- A recommendation to the manufacturer of the Pioneer 300 to review the assembly process of the airframe parachute system.
- A recommendation to EASA to ensure better interoperability of electronic conspicuity systems to assist in preventing mid-air collisions.