What happened
On February 5, 2005, a Piper PA 19 Super Cub, registration F-BPIF, was conducting a mountain flight near Saint-Girons, France. The pilot and a passenger, both experienced mountain pilots, intended to practice maneuvers at the Uls altisurface. After performing reconnaissance and two touch-and-go landings to assess the snow conditions, the pilot decided to land facing east and subsequently execute a turn to take off facing west.
During the westward takeoff attempt, the pilot utilized the tracks left by the previous landing. However, the takeoff roll was performed on a shallower slope than usual, leading the pilot to believe the snow surface was less slippery than previously estimated. As the aircraft progressed, the pilot spotted a snowdrift in the flight path. In an attempt to avoid a frontal collision, the pilot pulled back on the control column, causing the aircraft to come to a halt with its nose pressed against the snowdrift.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight sequence and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The weather was characterized by clear skies, light southeast winds, and low turbulence, though heavy snowfall had occurred in the preceding days. The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making regarding the takeoff trajectory and the aircraft's performance limits.
Evidence showed that the pilot's strategy was influenced by habits developed at Alpine altisurfaces, where takeoffs are typically performed in the opposite direction of landings. The investigation also noted that the pilot did not consult the passenger, who possessed more mountain flight experience, regarding the chosen takeoff path. Furthermore, the aircraft was being operated slightly beyond its maximum weight limits during the flight.