Synopsis
On 20 August 2020, a Cessna F150M, registered CN-TCG and operated by the Aéroclub Royal de Rabat, departed Rabat-Salé Airport at 09:35 UTC for a VFR instructional flight. The flight plan specified a route to Fès-Saiss and return, with an estimated total flight time of 3 hours 30 minutes and an endurance of 5 hours. The aircraft carried a pilot instructor and a student pilot.
Flight History
At 10:51, while approaching Fès-Saiss, the pilot announced an unscheduled technical stop to add engine oil. After departing Fès-Saiss at 12:11, the aircraft proceeded toward Rabat via Ifrane. Due to strong turbulence, the instructor decided to turn back at Imouzzer and head directly to Rabat.
At 13:25, near Tiflet, air traffic control instructed the pilot to hold at Tiflet to ensure separation from other traffic, including aircraft involved in firefighting operations. Over the next several minutes, ATC issued multiple instructions for the aircraft to climb to 3,000 feet and proceed to specific waypoints (ANIBI, SBI, and Whiskey). The pilot acknowledged these instructions but repeatedly reported maintaining 1,500 feet. At 13:38:41, the pilot stated he was climbing to 3,000 feet. At 13:42:49, ATC cleared the aircraft to cross the runway axes toward the west. Radio contact was lost at 13:45:08.
After unsuccessful attempts to re-establish communication, search and rescue procedures were initiated. No distress signal was received from the aircraft. Local authorities later reported that the aircraft had crashed approximately 11 km northeast of Kenitra.
Aircraft and Damage
The aircraft struck a high-voltage cable (lightning conductor) and the pilot lost control, resulting in a crash. The Cessna F150M was completely destroyed. The impact caused damage to a metal fence of the "PREFAB Industries" factory. No fire occurred.
Injuries and Occupants
Both the instructor and student pilot sustained fatal injuries. No other persons were injured, and no third-party casualties were reported.
Additional Information
The investigation was conducted by the Moroccan Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses d'Accidents d'Aviation Civile (BEAM) with technical assistance from the French BEA. Autopsy reports were used in the investigation. The report includes analysis on aircraft maintenance, fuel management, and VFR procedures, but no specific probable cause is stated in the provided source.