What happened
On November 25, 2016, a SOCATA TB20, registration D-ESPJ, departed Dortmund, Germany, on an IFR flight plan destined for Albertville, France. The flight included the pilot and one passenger. During the flight, the pilot contacted Swiss and French controllers, requesting to descend through the cloud layer to proceed under VFR conditions. After receiving clearance to cancel the IFR flight plan and proceed under VFR, the pilot indicated an intention to fly directly toward Albertville.
Following the last radio contact, the aircraft followed a valley toward Albertville before performing several turns. The aircraft subsequently struck the terrain near Jarsy at an altitude of approximately 6,690 ft, just below a ridgeline. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and both the pilot and passenger died.
The investigation
The BEA investigation examined the flight trajectory, weather conditions, and the pilot's preparations. The investigation established that the pilot had departed 30 minutes late due to the late delivery of an oxygen bottle. To mitigate this delay and meet a scheduled training appointment in Albertville, the pilot opted for a more direct route through the Bauges massif.
Investigators analyzed the aircraft's onboard equipment, including a GNSS, an electronic flight instrument, and an iPad containing various aeronautical applications. While the iPad contained several active apps, the investigation could not determine why GNSS tracks were not recorded for this specific flight. The investigation also reviewed witness accounts from local pilots and ground observers, which described the aircraft performing tight turns and encountering thick fog and low cloud ceilings near the mountains.
Findings
- The pilot chose a more direct route through the mountains to make up for time lost due to a late departure.
- The aircraft likely entered IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions) as it approached the terrain, as clouds were observed clinging to the mountain peaks.
- The pilot's decision to continue the flight in deteriorating weather conditions led to the collision with the terrain.
- The aircraft was likely in a climbing attitude with wings nearly level at the moment of impact, and the engine was producing power.