What happened
On May 5, 2012, at approximately 2:40 AM local time, a Piper PA 42 aircraft, registration F-GXES, crashed into the sea near the Saint Martin Grand Case aerodrome. The flight, operated by Transports Aériens InterCaraïbe, was performing a medical evacuation (EVASAN) mission destined for Fort-de-France, Martinique.
The flight sequence began around 12:15 AM when the pilot was notified of the mission. After the medical team and patient arrived at the aerodrome, the aircraft departed from runway 12 at 2:38 AM. Only minutes later, at approximately 2:40 AM, the aircraft impacted the water surface roughly 3 nautical miles from the airfield, slightly to the right of the runway axis. The impact resulted in four fatalities, including the pilot and three passengers. No distress message was transmitted by the crew prior to the crash.
The investigation
The BEA investigation focused on the circumstances leading to the impact and the technical state of the aircraft. Investigators examined the wreckage, which was recovered from the sea between May 5 and May 10. The examination of the debris, which included engine components and cockpit instruments, revealed no technical failures capable of significantly affecting the aircraft's performance.
However, the investigation was limited by the fact that the aircraft was not equipped with flight recorders. This absence prevented investigators from determining the exact sequence of events or the specific flight parameters immediately preceding the impact.
Findings
While the exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty due to the lack of flight recorders, the investigation identified several contributing factors. The aircraft was operating in a single-pilot configuration for a commercial air transport mission. Additionally, the investigators noted that the crew was subject to a near-permanent on-call status, which may have influenced the safety of the operation. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's weight and balance calculations were based on estimated values rather than actual weights, though the aircraft remained within limits for the specific configuration used.
Safety action
The BEA issued several safety recommendations to the EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) and the DGAC, including:
- The mandatory carriage of flight recorders on all aircraft operated for commercial air transport.
- The requirement for a two-pilot crew during medical evacuation flights.
- The consideration of non-airport reserve times in future regulations regarding flight time limitations for medical evacuation operations.