What happened
A twin-engine aircraft was operating a charter mission that originated at Toussus-le-Noble, with planned intermediate stops at Nantes, Tours, and Saumur. During the final leg of the flight, while approaching runway 10 at Saumur-Saint Florent Airport, the pilot requested a change in arrival procedure. Due to the presence of stratus clouds located to the west of the airfield, the pilot opted for a visual approach to runway 28.
As the aircraft was on short final for runway 28, it began a rapid descent. The twin-engine aircraft impacted the runway surface and subsequently overturned onto its left side. The impact triggered a post-crash fire that consumed the airframe. There were seven fatalities recorded, with no survivors among the occupants.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a high rate of descent during the final approach phase.
- Local weather conditions, specifically patches of stratus clouds, prompted the decision to switch to a visual approach.