History of the Flight
The accident occurred on Thursday 12 October 2023, during a return cross-country flight from Propriano to Cannes-Mandelieu. The pilot, accompanied by three passengers, had departed Cannes-Mandelieu at approximately 09:45 and landed at Propriano at about 11:15. After spending time at the beach, the group returned to the aerodrome at 17:00. The pilot took off from runway 27 at 17:38 and turned north at the beach. At 17:39:21, a dark smoke release appeared behind the aircraft. Witnesses reported variations in engine speed and unstable roll attitude. After a second right turn, the aircraft flew in an S-shaped pattern, then slightly climbed before pitching nose down and entering a spin. It collided with the sea surface near Cap Laurosu.
Wreckage and Examination
The wreckage was located about 1,300 meters north of the runway at a depth of 8 meters. It was complete with no dispersion. Examination revealed that at impact, the aircraft was in a left bank, nose-down attitude with flaps in the take-off position. Flight control linkages were continuous, and the trim was neutral. The propeller showed no evidence of engine torque at impact. The magneto switch was in the "BOTH" position, carburettor heat was inactive, and the auxiliary pump switch was off (though its pre-impact position could not be confirmed). The mechanical pump's inner diaphragm was torn, likely from impact. Fuel tank damage prevented definitive determination of fuel selector position, but tests ruled out a take-off with the selector off. No evidence of fire, overheating, or mid-air collision was found.
Pilot Information
The 40-year-old pilot held a Commercial Pilot Licence (Aeroplanes) since April 2022 and a restricted Flight Instructor rating since July 2023. He had logged approximately 750 total flight hours, with about 30 hours on the accident aircraft type. In the three months prior to the accident, he had flown 21 hours on F-GIKS.
Witness and Meteorological Conditions
Witnesses near the accident site reported that the engine spluttered on the first start attempt but then ran normally. One witness, a pilot at Propriano, observed the aircraft turn sharply 90° to the right at about 400-500 feet instead of following the standard departure heading. The aircraft flew level at 500-600 feet for over 30 seconds before a nose-down descent and right spin. Meteorological conditions were estimated by Météo-France as wind 270° at 6-8 knots, no turbulence, clear sky, temperature 23°C, and dew point 16.5°C. Surface wind at Propriano was less than 5 knots.
Medical Information
Toxicological analyses of the pilot found no carbon monoxide inhalation or presence of impairing substances.
Analysis of Camera Footage
Security camera footage from Propriano showed the pilot performing a reduced pre-flight inspection, including removing pitot and static port covers, and multiple engine-start attempts. The engine started after four attempts, and the pilot taxied to the runway without stopping at the holding point. A rolling take-off was executed less than three minutes after engine start. Smoke release was visible on camera after the first turn.