What happened
On November 15, 2009, at approximately 16:50, a CASA C 212 CB Aviocar, registered F-GOGN, was conducting a local flight near the Agen aerodrome. The crew had previously ferried the aircraft from Nancy to Agen earlier that morning to prepare for scheduled maintenance the following day. After a local parachuting club declined a free jump due to unfavorable weather, the crew decided to perform a recreational flight east of the aerodrome.
While flying at a very low altitude over the Garonne river, the aircraft struck a medium-voltage power line. The impact severed the three-cable line, which was spaced 1.5 meters apart, causing a significant electrical outage for approximately 1,500 households in the region. Following the collision, the crew returned to the Agen aerodrome and parked the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight path and the physical evidence on the aircraft. Post-incident inspections of the CASA C 212 CB Aviocar revealed extensive impact marks and cable friction traces across the fuselage, wings, and engine nacelles. Investigators determined that the cables were at a height of approximately 15 meters at the point of impact. The crew stated that the flight was intended as a pleasure flight and that they failed to detect the obstacle during the maneuver.
Findings
- The crew performed an unplanned flight below minimum safe altitudes.
- The crew failed to detect the power line obstacle during the flight.