What happened
On the afternoon of 13 September 2020, a Rans S-6ES Coyote II was conducting a series of local sightseeing flights near Buzet, Belgium. The pilot, who was experienced and familiar with the local area, was transporting passengers to show them landmarks near their homes in Lasne. During the final leg of the trip, the aircraft flew at a very low altitude over a dirt road near the Chemin de Camuselle.
Witnesses observed the aircraft performing a sharp left-hand turn with a significant bank angle. During this maneuver, the aircraft suddenly plunged toward the ground, striking the earth almost vertically. The impact caused the aircraft to catch fire, and the two fatalities occurred upon impact. The aircraft was completely destroyed by the subsequent fire.
The investigation
The Belgian Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU(Be)) examined the wreckage and analyzed flight data and witness accounts. Technical inspections of the engine and flight control surfaces revealed no evidence of mechanical failure prior to the crash. Investigators also noted that the aircraft was flying well below the standard minimum height requirements for the area, as the pilot was operating at approximately 30 meters (1/100th of a mile) above the ground.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating at an extremely low altitude over an open field.
- The pilot executed a tight left turn using an excessive bank angle.
- The primary cause of the accident was that power and pitch were not maintained at adequate levels during the turn, which led to an aerodynamic stall and a subsequent loss of control.
- The investigation identified an asymmetric stall, where the right wing hit the ground first, likely caused by the pilot pulling back on the stick to maintain altitude without sufficient engine power to compensate for the increased drag.