What happened
On the evening of February 13, 2001, a private Mooney M 20 R (registration F-GSDL) departed Villefranche-Tarare for Lognes under VFR conditions. The pilot did not file a flight plan. Radar analysis indicates that following takeoff, the pilot altered the flight path to a heading of 015°, likely an attempt to circumvent unfavorable weather conditions. After what appeared to be a maneuver around the terrain, the aircraft turned to a heading of 330° and climbed to 2,700 feet. After six minutes of stable flight at 150 knots, the aircraft descended to 2,000 feet while maintaining the same heading and speed. The aircraft subsequently struck a mountain peak in the Gravouze forest at high speed in level flight, resulting in one fatality and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation examined radar tracks, wreckage, and local meteorological conditions. While horizontal visibility at the crash site was reported as good, witnesses noted that the mountain peaks were obscured by a cloud layer. Meteorological data from nearby Dijon indicated significant cloud cover between 360 and 700 meters. Investigators found no evidence that the pilot had obtained a weather briefing prior to departure. Although the aircraft was equipped with two GPS units, their data could not be retrieved for analysis. Witnesses at the departure airfield noted that while local flying was possible, conditions were not suitable for navigation.
Findings
- The pilot likely entered Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) and suffered a loss of external visual references.
- Inadequate flight preparation contributed to the accident.
- The pilot's desire to reach the destination and time pressure were contributing factors.
- The aircraft struck the terrain while in a horizontal flight attitude.