2016 SOCATA TB20 accident at Jarsy (D-ESPJ)

Flight Details and Accident Overview On November 25, 2016, a private general aviation flight operated by a pilot and one passenger departed from Dortmund, Germany, under an IFR flight plan, bound for Albertville, France. The aircraft, a SOCATA TB20 with registration D-ESPJ, climbed to flight level 130 and proceeded as planned. During the flight, the pilot requested an IFR penetration to Chambéry to pass under a cloud layer. Air traffic control instructed the pilot to descend to flight level 100 and follow the SALEV 7R arrival, later reducing the altitude to flight level 80 and speed to 120 knots. The pilot was then directed to the COLLO reporting point and to contact Chambéry approach. ## Transition to VFR and Final Approach At the COLLO point, Chambéry approach instructed the pilot to descend to 6,500 feet and intercept the localizer for runway 18. The pilot stated an intention to conduct an ILS approach to pass under the clouds and then continue to Albertville under VFR. Shortly after, the pilot reported being in visual meteorological conditions at 6,500 feet and requested to turn left toward Albertville. The controller confirmed the cancellation of the IFR flight plan and the transition to VFR. The pilot estimated arriving at Albertville at 14:43 local time. After exiting the Chambéry terminal maneuvering area, the pilot indicated a descent below 5,000 feet, and no further radio contact was made. ## Terrain Collision and Wreckage The aircraft followed a valley toward Albertville before turning north and climbing, then turning west. It struck a mountain approximately ten meters below a ridge on the east slope of Mont Trelod, at an altitude of about 6,500 feet. The main wreckage, including the fuselage and engine, was found at a lower site at approximately 5,600 feet, 280 meters below a rock face. The wings were torn off during impact, and the right wing was not recovered. The engine was delivering power at the time of impact, and the aircraft was likely in a climb with wings nearly level. No pre-impact technical failure was identified. ## Crew and Aircraft Information The pilot, who owned the aircraft, held a professional pilot license and instrument rating, with 3,700 total flight hours, including 1,600 in IFR. The passenger, also a pilot, had 1,250 hours and regularly flew the TB20. The aircraft was equipped with a GNSS, multifunction display, autopilot, and primary flight display. An iPad with aviation applications was recovered, but no GNSS trace from the accident flight was found. The flight plan included IFR details, navigation logs, and weather information. The pilot had delayed departure by 30 minutes due to a late oxygen bottle delivery. ## Weather and Investigation Findings Weather conditions in the region included irregular winds from the south at 8 knots, moderate to poor visibility under the cloud layer, temperatures of 3 to 4°C, and clouds attached to mountain peaks. The BEA investigation, aimed solely at improving aviation safety, found no evidence of technical failure prior to the terrain collision. The accident resulted in the deaths of both occupants and the destruction of the aircraft.