Mid-air collision between two Robin aircraft near Saint-Laurent-des-Eaux

Casualties unknown • Conséquences, FR

Two Robin aircraft collided during a formation flight near Tours, France, after turbulence caused one aircraft to strike the other.

What happened

On May 30, 2011, two aircraft departed from Tours Val de Loire aerodrome for a planned formation flight toward Orléans Saint Denis de l’Hôtel. The first aircraft, a Robin Cap 10 (registration F-GKAM), departed with a passenger, followed immediately by a Robin Cap 2/21 (registration F-GLOT).

After exiting the Tours control zone, the pilot of the F-GLOT maneuvered to the right of the F-GKAM at an altitude of approximately 1,500 feet. While flying through a pocket of turbulence, the F-GLOT experienced a rapid descent followed by a sudden climb, bringing it into close proximity with the lead aircraft. Despite an attempted corrective maneuver to the right, the left wing of the F-GLOT struck the underside of the right wing of the F-GKAM.

The impact caused the F-GLOT to pivot left and roll inverted. During this sequence, the propeller of the F-GLOT struck the upper part of the F-GKAM's canopy, causing the canopy to shatter. Both pilots managed to maintain control of their respective aircraft despite the damage. After assessing their flight parameters and maneuverability, the pilots decided to continue to their destination individually.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the sequence of events following the departure from Tours and the impact between the two aircraft. Investigators examined the flight paths, the impact dynamics, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation also reviewed the flight experience of both pilots and the meteorological conditions, which included winds from 270° at 10 to 15 knots with gusts up to 25 knots.

Findings

  • The collision resulted from the insufficient consideration of meteorological conditions by the pilot of the F-GLOT when deciding to conduct a formation flight.
  • The F-GKAM sustained significant damage to its right wing and aileron, and the canopy was shattered.
  • The F-GLOT sustained heavy damage to its left wing and light damage to its propeller.
  • The collision resulted in two minor injuries (the pilot and passenger of the F-GKAM).

Probable cause

The pilot of the second aircraft failed to adequately account for turbulent weather conditions when attempting to perform a formation flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2011-05-30 Robin Cap 10 accident near Conséquences, FR?

Two Robin aircraft collided during a formation flight near Tours, France, after turbulence caused one aircraft to strike the other.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2011-05-30 involved a Robin Cap 10, registration F-GKAM, at Conséquences, FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot of the second aircraft failed to adequately account for turbulent weather conditions when attempting to perform a formation flight.

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