Two fatalities in DR400-180 crash at Corlier altiport

Casualties unknown • Corlier ALP, FR

A DR400-180 aircraft struck the terrain before the runway threshold at Corlier, resulting in the deaths of both occupants.

What happened

On August 21, 2018, a DR400-180, registration F-GGJD, departed Mâcon-Charnay for the Corlier altiport. The flight, a private navigation mission, carried a pilot and one passenger. After completing three successful landings at the Corlier altiport, the crew decided to perform two additional approaches before departing for their destination.

During the fourth approach on runway 12, the aircraft descended below the runway threshold altitude. Approximately five minutes after a subsequent takeoff, the aircraft struck an embankment located just before the runway threshold. The impact caused the aircraft to flip onto its back, resulting in two fatalities and the destruction of the aircraft.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the accident was an improper approach technique where the pilots descended during the base leg, resulting in a glide path that was too shallow and placed the aircraft below the runway threshold. This was compounded by limited recent experience at the mountain site and unstable wind conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2018-08-21 DR400-180 accident near Corlier ALP, FR?

A DR400-180 aircraft struck the terrain before the runway threshold at Corlier, resulting in the deaths of both occupants.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2018-08-21 involved a DR400-180, registration F-GGJD, at Corlier ALP, FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the accident was an improper approach technique where the pilots descended during the base leg, resulting in a glide path that was too shallow and placed the aircraft below the runway threshold. This was compounded by limited recent experience at the mountain site and unstable wind conditions.

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