History of the Flight
The pilot, a 20-year-old private pilot with a PPL(A) license obtained in April 2018 and 54 total flight hours, departed from Limoges Bellegarde aerodrome at around 15:30 local time for a cross-country flight to Poitiers Biard aerodrome. The aircraft was not equipped with an autopilot. After announcing a go-around at Poitiers Biard at approximately 16:15, the pilot began the return journey to Limoges. The flight path was consistent with the planned route, and the cruising altitude remained relatively stable between 2,100 and 2,500 ft. At 16:18, the pilot left the Poitiers CTR frequency and contacted the flight information sector, displaying the requested transponder code and indicating he would call back when exiting the sector. No further communications were recorded. At around 16:30, the aircraft struck the ground near the last recorded radar blip.
Examination of the Site and Wreckage
On-site examination of the wreckage took place on 17 September 2018, followed by a further examination on 3 and 4 October 2018 in a hangar. The observations established that the aircraft was complete at impact and struck the ground at high speed with a nose-down angle exceeding 45° and near-zero roll angle. Engine torque was very high at impact. The elevator control channel was continuous with no faults detected on the pitch axis; aileron, rudder, and flap control channels were also continuous prior to impact. The precise position of the elevator trim could not be determined, but the horizontal stabilizer was properly fixed. A carbon monoxide detector was not recovered. Maintenance records and compliance with service bulletins and airworthiness directives related to flight controls and structure showed no discrepancies. No malfunction or damage that could explain the occurrence was found. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was within weight and center-of-gravity limits.
Pilot Information
The pilot had logged 54 flight hours since 17 July 2015, including 17 hours as pilot-in-command and 53 hours on DR400s. In the preceding three months, he had flown 4 hours 25 minutes.
Meteorological Information
Estimated conditions at the accident site were CAVOK, with surface wind from 270-300° at 4-6 kt gusting 12-14 kt, low-layer wind from 300° at 5-10 kt up to 5,000 ft, ground temperature 27 °C, QNH 1,019 hPa, and low turbulence.
Medical Information
Post-accident medical examinations revealed no abnormalities, toxic substances, or medications that could explain the accident. However, the investigation did not rule out a sudden incapacitation of the pilot in flight.
Conclusions
While cruising at about 2,200 ft, the aircraft suddenly lost altitude and collided with the ground. The investigation found no technical evidence to account for the accident and could not explain the steep descent before impact.