What happened
On June 13, 2007, at approximately 13:30 local time, a private Blandine gyroplane, identified as 06-ZH, was conducting a flight from Gap aerodrome toward Barcelonnette. The pilot, a 64-year-old experienced aviator, was traveling to meet friends at the destination.
During the flight, a witness observed the aircraft in stable flight shortly before the accident occurred. A second witness reported hearing the sound of an impact but did not see the aircraft. The wreckage was subsequently located on a mountainside northeast of a wooded valley at an altitude of 1,085 meters near Saint-Vincent-les-Forts.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the aircraft and the flight conditions. Examination of the wreckage confirmed that the fuel tank contained fuel at the time of the crash. Technical analysis revealed that the propeller was delivering power at the moment of impact, the rotor was rotating with significant energy, and all flight controls remained functional and continuous.
Meteorological conditions at the site were estimated as CAVOK (ceiling and visibility OK) with a QNH of 1008 hPa. Data from the nearby Barcelonnette automated station indicated light winds and mild temperatures. The pilot had consulted with an instructor regarding the weather prior to departure, and the instructor had advised that conditions were favorable for flight.
Investigators also analyzed the flight path using data extracted from the aircraft's GPS. However, the trajectory data did not provide any specific information that could assist in understanding the sequence of events leading to the collision with terrain.