History of the Flight
On 21 March 2021, at approximately 10:15 local time, a Robin DR400-140B, registered F-GHYQ, operated by the Aéroclub d'Albertville, departed from Albertville aerodrome on a local flight with a pilot and three passengers. The pilot initially planned to fly toward the Mont Blanc sector but changed the destination to the Belledonne and Chartreuse massifs due to forecast turbulence and the addition of a third passenger, opting not to add fuel to remain within weight and balance limits. After takeoff from runway 23, the pilot climbed toward Aiton and then the Grand Cucheron pass. While climbing toward a ridgeline, he identified a pass south-east of Montgilbert Fort to join the Belledonne massif. He realized too late that his altitude was insufficient to clear the pass. Estimating that a U-turn was not possible, he attempted to gain altitude by increasing the aircraft's nose-up attitude. The speed decreased, and the stall warning sounded. The pilot initiated a left turn with a slight bank angle; the stall warning continued. He reduced the aircraft's attitude to increase speed, but the aeroplane struck pine trees and came to rest in snow.
Additional Information
Examination of Site and Wreckage
The accident site was located 7 NM south of Albertville at an altitude of 1,340 m. The area is densely wooded with pine trees over 20 m high. The wreckage rested on its left side in a wooded, snow-covered area on the western slope of the Hurtières range. Signs of collision with trees were observed about 60 m before the wreckage. The first elements torn off were the right aileron and left wing. The debris path was oriented south-east. Broken branches above the wreckage indicated the aircraft fell nearly vertically. The propeller spinner was broken; the two blades were undamaged, and the engine shaft rotated freely. Flight control linkages were continuous before impact. No anomalies were found that may have contributed to the accident.
Pilot Experience
The 56-year-old pilot held a Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL(A)) and had about 340 flight hours, 300 as pilot-in-command, with 2 hours 15 minutes in the previous three months. He began training in 1993, and since 2015 had flown exclusively the DR400 F-GHYQ from Albertville, typically with two or three passengers. Over the last five years, he logged about 20 flight hours per year.
Meteorological Information
The SIGWX and WINTEM charts for the day indicated a slight south-easterly wind, north to north-easterly wind of 10 to 15 kt at FL050 (1,500 m), CAVOK conditions, and a temperature around 0°C at FL050.
Statements
The pilot stated that after takeoff, he climbed at about 500 ft/min toward Aiton and the Grand Cucheron pass. He identified a crossing point between Montgilbert Fort and the Hurtières range. Indicated airspeed was around 70-75 kt. He realized too late he was too low and could not turn back or increase climb rate without stalling. He attempted a left turn to fly parallel to the ridgeline, but the stall warning continued. He reduced attitude to gain speed just before hitting the trees. An instructor from the flying club noted that training includes mountain flying and clearing passes.
Conclusions
The investigation concluded that after takeoff, the pilot climbed toward a pass but realized too late that altitude was insufficient. Unable to turn back, he increased attitude, reducing speed toward stall. A left turn further reduced stall margin, and he faced the western slope of a second ridge before colliding with trees. Contributing factors to the insufficient altitude approach may have included insufficient knowledge of mountain flying practices and the pilot's inadequate consideration of aircraft performance when choosing the path.