What happened
On February 14, 2008, at 18:33, a Dyn’aéro MCR 4 S 2002 amateur-built aircraft, registered F-PRSM, struck trees in the Bois de Guéry, located approximately 15 kilometers west of the Pontoise airfield. The aircraft was engaged in a private flight, returning to Pontoise after a midday trip to Dinard.
During the flight, the pilot requested weather updates from Pontoise air traffic control. Shortly after, radio contact was lost. An emergency phase was initiated at 18:38. At 18:48, the pilot managed to contact emergency services via a mobile phone, reporting that he was injured but unable to determine his exact location. The pilot, suffering from severe burns and in a state of shock, wandered for several minutes before being found by a motorist.
The wreckage was located the following morning. The investigation established that the aircraft struck the treetops while in horizontal flight. The main section of the wreckage, including the engine, cabin, and fuselage, slid along a tree trunk and was completely destroyed by a post-impact fire.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight conditions and the pilot's decision-making. Meteorological data from various aerodromes, including Pontoise, Beauvais, and Toussus-le-Noble, indicated deteriorating conditions, including low clouds, fog, and reduced visibility, particularly as sunset approached at 18:07.
Investigators examined the pilot's preparations and noted that while the pilot had discussed the unfavorable weather conditions with witnesses prior to departure from Dinard, he was also motivated by family obligations to return to Pontoaster. Furthermore, analysis of a portable GPS unit found in the wreckage revealed that although the pilot had used the device during the outbound leg of the flight, he had not activated it for the return journey.
Findings
- The aircraft struck the treetops during level flight.
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's persistence in attempting to reach his destination despite unfavorable meteorological conditions.
- Visibility was significantly reduced by low cloud ceilings and fog.
- The pilot did not utilize GPS navigation during the return leg of the flight.