What happened
On 9 February 2013, a Cessna P210N, registration N45SE, was performing a private flight from Charleroi South Brussels Airport (EBCI) to Lyon, France. After completing de-icing procedures and loading passengers and heavy luggage, the aircraft took off from runway 25.
Witnesses and air traffic controllers observed that shortly after lift-off, the aircraft exhibited an excessive nose-up attitude and began banking left. The plane flew at a low speed, deviating from the runway axis and performing a slow, unstable climbing left turn. The pilot radioed the tower to report a problem and expressed an intention to land. Approximately one minute after takeoff, the aircraft returned to the airport, flying parallel to the runway. As the pilot lowered the landing gear, the aircraft entered a left-hand spin and struck the ground almost vertically. The impact resulted in 5 fatalities.
The investigation
AAIU(Be) examined the aircraft's weight and balance, the pilot's recent experience, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation reviewed the loading of the aircraft, which included several passengers, large pieces of luggage, a stroller, and various baskets. The investigators also looked into the de-icing methods used, as the pilot had manually removed frost and ice from the wings and windows using his arm.
Furthermore, the investigation assessed the pilot's flight history, noting a five-month gap since the previous recorded flight, and reviewed the maintenance records and the aircraft's configuration. The investigation also considered the meteorological conditions and the aircraft's performance during the takeoff roll.