What happened
On April 11, 2009, a privately owned Jodel D 18 amateur-built aircraft, registered F-PRDC, was conducting a local flight near Cernon, France. The pilot, accompanied by one passenger, departed from Dole aerodrome with the intention of flying over the Vouglans dam and the adjacent lake.
During the flight, the pilot flew at extremely low altitudes, following the curves of the lake while maneuvering to avoid sailboats. Surveillance footage later confirmed the aircraft passed over the dam at an altitude of approximately 20 meters. As the aircraft entered the valley, the pilot attempted a climbing turn to the right. Noticing a loss of airspeed, the pilot continued the turn toward the terrain in an attempt to regain speed. In an effort to avoid hitting the rising terrain, the pilot applied back pressure on the controls. The passenger reported feeling the aircraft vibrate just before the right main landing gear struck the treetops. The aircraft subsequently came to rest on its side among the trees. Both occupants successfully evacuated the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical condition of the aircraft and the physiological state of the pilot. Examination of the engine and the wreckage revealed no mechanical anomalies or technical failures that could have contributed to the accident.
Investigators also analyzed the pilot's blood alcohol content. A sample taken approximately ninety minutes after the accident revealed a concentration of 0.95 grams per liter.