What happened
On November 22, 2014, a Socata Gardan GY80, registration F-BNYN, departed from Nogaro for Aix-les-Milles as a private VFR flight. The pilot was transporting two family members to a business meeting in Marseille. During the flight, the pilot contacted Toulouse Information to request weather updates for Béziers, noting an intention to climb above the cloud layer. Upon learning of overcast conditions at 2,000 ft, the pilot decided to fly beneath the clouds.
As the aircraft approached the Montagne Noire region, the pilot informed air traffic control that he intended to follow the valley floor to avoid the clouds. However, as the flight progressed toward Saint-Pons-de-Thomières, the pilot reported that visibility had dropped to approximately 30 seconds. At 11:18, the pilot announced that he had pierced the cloud layer and lost all external visual references. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft disappeared from radar. The wreckage was located on a wooded slope near Saint-Pons-de-Thomières. The impact caused a post-crash fire, and the aircraft was destroyed. The accident resulted in two fatalities and one injury.
The investigation
The BEA examined the wreckage, radar tracks, and air traffic control communications. Radar data from Auch showed the aircraft at 1,430 ft before losing contact. Investigators analyzed the flight path, which appeared straight and heavily banked to the right at the time of impact, with the engine still producing power. Meteorological data confirmed a dense maritime inflow was present, bringing low ceilings (below 650 ft), fog, drizzle, and significant turbulence to the area.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to continue the flight was likely influenced by the desire to reach the destination for his passengers' business commitments.
- The pilot relied on his familiarity with the local terrain and the use of GNSS/tablet navigation to navigate in marginal conditions.
- The pilot eventually decided to climb through the cloud layer, which led to the loss of visual references.
- Evidence suggests the aircraft may have undergone a structural failure of the wing due to high loads from a sudden maneuver or avoidance action prior to hitting the trees.
- The primary cause was an insufficient assessment of the deteriorating weather conditions during both flight planning and the flight itself.