Robinson R44 Water Impact Accident in France (F-GPJG)

Flight Details and Crash Sequence On December 20, 2013, at approximately 17:00 local time, a private Robinson R44 helicopter, registration F-GPJG, departed from a property in Lugon-et-l’Île-du-Carney (33) for a pleasure flight. The aircraft carried a pilot and three passengers. Radar data indicated the helicopter initially flew east before making a wide right turn west of Libourne, returning along the Dordogne River. The radar track was lost as the aircraft flew west over the water. Ground witnesses observed the helicopter descending near the water and flying at a low altitude for a short period. The wreckage was recovered from the riverbed approximately 2,000 meters from the last radar detection point. All four occupants were killed, and the helicopter was destroyed. ## Investigation Findings The examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical anomalies prior to the collision. The helicopter first struck the water surface with its rear section, resulting in a fracture of the beam near the tail rotor. The aircraft then pitched forward, causing significant damage to the airframe. The engine was running at the time of impact, though the exact power output could not be determined. The “governor off” indicator was illuminated at impact, while the low fuel indicator was off. Fuel analysis suggested at least 39 liters remained before the flight, ruling out fuel exhaustion. Witnesses reported the pilot had consumed wine during a pre-flight meal, though his fitness to fly was not questioned by those present. The pilot held a PPL(H) license obtained in 1998 and had 640 hours of helicopter experience, mostly on the type. ## Contributing Factors The BEA concluded the accident was probably due to the decision to conduct and continue a very low-altitude flight over water. Contributing factors included the difficulty of judging height over a water surface, the sun’s position low on the horizon directly in front of the pilot, and the social atmosphere of the day, which may have encouraged improvised maneuvers.