What happened
On 10 September 2021, a Robin DR400-180, registration F-GTPV, was participating in a group cross-country excursion involving several aircraft. After departing Nancy-Essey airport, the pilot encountered deteriorating meteorological conditions, including rain showers and low cloud ceilings, which made maintaining visual flight rules (VFR) difficult.
As the aircraft encountered a precipitation front, the pilot decided to divert to the nearest available aerodrome, Dijon-Darois. During the approach to the airfield, the pilot performed a non-standard circuit, joining the downwind leg on the opposite side of the published pattern at an altitude of approximately 400 ft. The aircraft was on a short final approach with a tailwind component and gusts of up to 15 kt. During this phase, the aircraft suffered a loss of control and struck the ground approximately 360 m from the runway threshold. The impact resulted in three fatalities and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The BEA examined the flight paths of the involved aircraft, radar data, and GNSS recordings. The investigation also reviewed meteorological data from Météo-France and analyzed the flight preparation process. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, engine components, and flight deck equipment, including several mobile devices and tablets used for navigation and weather monitoring. The investigation also looked into the decision-making process of the group excursion participants regarding their departure timing and route selection.