History of the Flight
The pilot departed from Lyon-Brindas aerodrome at 16:12 local time. Witnesses near the accident site observed the aeroplane in a spin before it struck trees. The emergency locator transmitter activated at 16:14.
Meteorological Information
At the time of the accident, conditions were CAVOK with calm wind and temperatures between 17 and 18 °C, as estimated by Météo-France.
Witness Statements
Individuals at the aerodrome reported that the pilot had spoken with them before takeoff, indicating uncertainty about whether he would conduct local circuits or fly to Vienne aerodrome approximately 40 km away. Two witnesses near the site saw the aeroplane at an estimated height of 40 m in a nose-down attitude, completing two left-hand spins before hitting trees. They also heard the engine running.
Accident Flight Path
Radar data from civil and military sources did not detect the aeroplane. The MLAT system at the club hangar also recorded no flight path, possibly due to insufficient altitude or transponder activation. A surveillance camera briefly captured F-HBRD during its initial climb between 16:12 and 16:13, but the flight path offered no explanatory clues.
Pilot Information
The 82-year-old pilot held a PPL(A) obtained in 2008 via conversion of an earlier license. He held a class 2 medical certificate requiring corrective lenses. He had logged approximately 550 hours total, with 450 as pilot-in-command. In 2021, he had flown six hours (3.5 hours) including three flights on F-HBRD. Club members described him as knowledgeable about the aerodrome and aircraft. An autopsy found no contributing factors.
Aircraft Information
The Tecnam P2008 JC, built in 2014, had accumulated 1,490 flight hours and held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness. It was owned and maintained by the Lyon-Brindas flying club.
Examination of Site and Wreckage
The wreckage was located about 940 m from the south end of the runway, oriented 168°, lying between a field and a tree line. It was complete and concentrated. The left horizontal stabilizer's leading edge had struck a tree, tearing off both stabilizer halves. The aircraft's attitude before impact could not be determined. The engine was rotating on impact, but the power transmitted could not be assessed. The fuel selector was on the left tank; tanks were ruptured and empty, with fuel odor present. All flight control linkages were continuous. No pre-impact technical failures were found.
Examination of Engine
The Rotax 912 S2 engine showed no mechanical damage and rotated freely. Carburettors had rubbing marks between pistons and bodies. One of four ignition coils was malfunctioning, but it could not be determined if this was pre-existing. The BEA could not establish whether these findings could have caused an engine failure.
Conclusions
The investigation concluded that the pilot lost control shortly after takeoff, resulting in collision with the ground. The cause of the loss of control could not be determined.