Socata TB20 accident at San Giuliano, Corsica (F-GDMQ)

Accident Overview and Flight Details On 17 July 2018, a Socata TB20 registered F-GDMQ was destroyed in a collision with the sea near San Giuliano, Corsica. The aircraft was operating a private general aviation flight from Ghisonaccia aerodrome to the Island of Elba. The pilot and one passenger were on board; both were killed. The flight departed at 10:56 local time and the accident occurred at 11:06 local time. ## Sequence of Events Radar and onboard GPS data, along with witness accounts, established that the aircraft began cruise at an altitude between 2,500 and 3,000 feet with a ground speed of approximately 150 knots. As it approached San Giuliano, the aircraft descended and flew along the coast. Witnesses observed a low pass at high speed near the beach, with the landing gear retracted. The aircraft struck the water surface a few meters from the shore, parallel to the beach, bounced several times, and broke apart. ## Meteorological and Pilot Information Estimated weather conditions at the accident site included a wind from 135° at 5 knots, CAVOK, a temperature of 26°C, and a QNH of 1,012. The 69-year-old pilot held a private pilot license for airplanes, with 1,285 flight hours and an advanced aerobatic qualification. ## Wreckage and Aircraft Examination The wreckage was located in the sea about 30 meters from the shore, at a depth of three to four meters. Debris was scattered over approximately 200 meters along a north-south axis parallel to the beach. Examination indicated the aircraft struck the water with a slight nose-down attitude and a right bank. The engine was delivering power at impact. The flaps were retracted, and the landing gear was found extended, though the investigation could not determine with certainty whether the gear was extended at the time of impact. The aircraft's certificate of airworthiness had expired on 18 June 2018 and had not been renewed due to a financial dispute. ## Instrument and Photo Analysis A Garmin 295 GPS and a smartphone were recovered. The GPS data showed the aircraft at an altitude of 10 meters at the last recorded point. Photos taken during the flight showed indicated airspeeds of 143 knots and 167 knots, with a 45° left bank and a 12° nose-down attitude shortly before impact. The manufacturer stated that the observed descent profile was incompatible with the additional drag of extended landing gear. ## Conclusion The pilot performed a very low pass at high speed near the beach to greet relatives on the shore. It is probable that the pilot misjudged the altitude and did not stop the descent in time to avoid the water. The investigation noted that low-level flight over water is extremely dangerous due to the difficulty of accurately estimating height.