Incident Overview
An aircraft operating skydiving missions at Agen-La Garenne Airport was destroyed and both pilots were killed when it struck a hill while on short final approach. The accident occurred during the fifth flight of the day, late in the afternoon.
Flight Sequence
Earlier that day, the aircraft had completed four skydiving sorties without incident. During the fifth flight, the crew reported engine problems but were able to continue climbing to an altitude of 15,000 feet. At that altitude, the 16 skydivers on board jumped from the aircraft as planned. After the skydivers had exited, the crew reduced altitude and initiated a circuit pattern to return to the airport.
Collision with Terrain
While on short final approach to runway 11, the aircraft nosed down and struck the top of a hill. The hill was located approximately 500 meters before the runway threshold. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and both pilots were killed in the accident.