What happened
On 6 February 2023, a JPM 01 Médoc, registration F-PCSA, was performing a local flight at Carcassonne-Salvaza aerodrome. After completing two runway circuits, the pilot requested to perform a third circuit at a low altitude. During the initial climb, the pilot reported a drop in airspeed and requested to return to a direct base leg.
Witnesses and air traffic controllers observed the aircraft enter a steep right bank. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft adopted a steep nose-down attitude and collided with the ground, resulting in a post-impact fire. The pilot was fatally injured, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the engine performance and the pilot's maneuvers following the power loss. Analysis of radiocommunication recordings revealed that when the pilot reported the engine problem, the engine rotation speed had dropped to approximately 1,200 rpm, which corresponds to idle speed.
Regarding the pilot's experience, the 63-year-old pilot held a PPL(A) with approximately 350 total flight hours. However, he had very limited recent experience, with only three flight hours logged in the previous six months. Notably, this was his first solo flight in the JPM 01 Médoc, as he had only flown the type for 35 minutes in a dual instruction capacity in November 2022.
While the fuel tank selector was found in the forward tank position, investigators were unable to determine the exact cause of the engine power reduction as no detailed engine examination was conducted.
Findings
- The engine power dropped to idle speed during the initial climb.
- The pilot likely attempted to return to the aerodrome by executing a right turn.
- The pilot likely failed to maintain the minimum flight speed during the forced landing maneuver, leading to a loss of control.
- The pilot's lack of recent flight experience and limited experience on this specific aircraft type may have contributed to the inadequate management of the aircraft's flight path following the power loss.