4 fatalities

2013-09-24: Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III (N556MB) — Sacha Aviation — Lyon-Bron, France

Lyon-Bron, FranceTakeoff (climb)

On September 24, 2013, a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III (registration N556MB) operated by Sacha Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Lyon-Bron, France during takeoff. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident probably occurred as a result of an asymmetrical flight starting from the rotation that the pilot was not able to control. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781193973Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane crashed shortly after takeoff from Lyon-Bron Airport, killing all four occupants. The aircraft veered left, lost height, and caught fire. Investigation cites likely improper trim adjustment and pilot inexperience.

Accident Details

After takeoff from runway 34 at Lyon-Bron Airport, the twin-engine airplane entered an initial climb. At a height of approximately 200 feet, the aircraft deviated to the left, rolled left, and veered left with a low rate of climb. Shortly after passing the end of the runway, the airplane lost height, struck the ground, and caught fire. The aircraft was destroyed by the post-crash fire, and all four occupants were killed.

Cockpit Configuration

For reasons that remain unknown, the pilot-in-command was seated in the right seat at the time of the accident.

Investigation Findings

Technical examinations and observations from the wreckage did not reveal any conclusive malfunction of the engines or aircraft systems. The investigation concluded that the accident probably occurred as a result of an asymmetrical flight condition starting from rotation, which the pilot was unable to control. The initial cause is most likely an improper adjustment of the steering trim before takeoff. The pilot's poor experience on this high-powered and complex aircraft, coupled with the low altitude reached, prevented the pilot from understanding and managing the situation quickly enough to avoid loss of control.

Probable cause

The accident probably occurred as a result of an asymmetrical flight starting from the rotation that the pilot was not able to control. As technical examinations and observations from the wreckage could not give any conclusive malfunction of the engines or systems, the initial cause is most likely an improper adjustment of the steering trim before takeoff. The poor experience of the pilot on this high powered and complex aircraft as well as the low height reached did not allow the pilot to understand and manage the situation quickly and avoid the loss of control.