What happened
On May 9, 2002, a Cessna 150, registration D-EJRA, departed Abbeville for Dieppe aerodrome as part of a private flight. The pilot's intention was to meet a friend at Dieppe before continuing to Jersey. Upon arrival at Dieppe, the pilot contacted the AFIS controller, who reported visibility of only 400 meters due to fog. Despite the controller explicitly warning the pilot about the low visibility and fog, the pilot indicated an intention to attempt a landing.
While on final approach for runway 31, the pilot determined that landing was not possible and initiated a missed approach, announcing a return to Abbeville. During the climb-out, the aircraft turned right. Witnesses on the ground observed the aircraft flying at a very low altitude on a heading of 120 degrees. The aircraft subsequently struck trees at an altitude of approximately three meters, tilted at a 45-degree angle to the right. The impact triggered a post-crash fire, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and the death of the pilot.
The investigation
Investigators examined the accident site, noting that the terrain at the impact location was 15 feet lower than the Dieppe aerodrome elevation. The wreckage showed the aircraft had struck trees at a low height. A GPS unit was recovered from the cockpit, but damage to its circuits prevented the retrieval of any flight data.
While the pilot's flight documents were destroyed in the crash, investigators could not confirm if the pilot had checked the official meteorological services prior to the flight. Records from the Abbeville station showed that at the time of takeoff, visibility was 1,600 meters with 8/8 stratus clouds at 100 meters. The pilot did not request a meteorological briefing from the official service on the day of the accident. Medical examinations confirmed the pilot was physically capable of controlling the aircraft until the moment of impact.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the decision to continue the flight and attempt an approach under unfavorable meteorological conditions.
- The pilot proceeded with the approach despite receiving explicit warnings from the AFIS controller regarding 400-meter visibility and fog.
- The pilot lacked both night flying and instrument flight qualifications.
- The pilot did not consult the meteorological service for a briefing prior to the flight.