What happened
During a local training mission operating under the call sign 'Pélican Blanc', an aircraft was performing various scoping maneuvers near Marseille-Marignane. As the flight crew attempted to land the aircraft type at the airport, the plane experienced a sudden nose-down pitch. This movement caused the aircraft to plunge into the sea, where it subsequently began to partially sink.
The incident resulted in one fatality among the crew members. While one person lost their life in the accident, the remaining three survivors were successfully rescued from the scene. The impact and subsequent submersion left the aircraft with damage that was classified as beyond repair.
Findings
- The aircraft's nose pitched downward immediately following the landing attempt.
- The sequence of events led to the vessel entering the water and partially submerging.