What happened
On Sunday, December 14, at 11:40, a ski-equipped Jodel D 119, registered F-PINP, was performing an instructional flight at the Courchevel Altiport. The flight, involving an instructor and a student, arrived from Megève. After landing on the central portion of the runway, the aircraft performed a turnaround to prepare for departure.
The takeoff attempt was initiated on the right side of the apron. During the acceleration phase, the aircraft struck two successive snowdrifts. Following the initial impact, the instructor was unable to regain control of the aircraft. Upon striking the second drift, the aircraft overturned and came to a halt. The student pilot sustained one injury, and the aircraft incurred damage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the runway conditions and the visibility of obstacles on the departure path. It was established that while the central part of the runway had undergone partial snow removal, the full clearing of the platform is only performed once the winter season officially begins. At the time of the accident, the winter maintenance period had not yet commenced.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the failure to perceive snowdrifts located on the right side of the apron.
- The takeoff path contained a slight snow embankment and several drifts that remained uncleared.
- Meteorological conditions at the time were favorable, with visibility exceeding 10 km, light variable winds between 2 and 5 knots, and no turbulence.