What happened
On 20 May 2021, at 16:12, a Tecnam P2008, registration F-HBRD, departed from runway 19 at Lyon-Brindas aerodrome. The flight was intended to be either a local circuit or a cross-country flight to Vienne, approximately 40 km away. Shortly after the initial climb, the aircraft entered a nose-down attitude and performed two left-hand spins at an estimated altitude of 40 meters. The aircraft then collided with a group of trees near Messimy, resulting in the fatal injury of the pilot and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the engine to identify any mechanical precursors to the accident. The aircraft's wreckage was found grouped together near the edge of a field. Examination of the site showed that the leading edge of the left horizontal stabilizer had struck a tree, causing the stabilizer to break into two parts. The engine was found to be rotating upon impact, and the fuel tanks were empty due to being ruptured during the collision.
While the flight control linkages and pitch trim control were found to be intact, investigators noted that one of the four ignition coils in the Rotax 912 S2 engine was malfunctioning. However, it could not be determined if this malfunction contributed to the accident. Surveillance footage from a nearby business park captured the aircraft in its initial climb but provided no evidence of any issues prior to the loss of control.
Findings
- The aircraft entered a spin during the initial climb phase.
- The investigation could not establish a specific technical failure or mechanical cause for the loss of control.
- The pilot was experienced, with approximately 550 total flight hours.