What happened
On June 14, 2008, a Piper PA 38-112 Tomahawk, registration F-GCGD, was participating in the Epernay regional air rally when it crashed in a wheat field near Connantre. The flight was part of a precision navigation competition where the crew had to follow a specific course and identify landmarks at precise times.
As the aircraft approached checkpoint number 9, the pilot lost control of the plane. The aircraft struck the ground at a high vertical velocity with a slight nose-down attitude. The impact resulted in the death of the passenger and left the pilot with serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash.
The investigation
The BEA investigation examined the wreckage, GPS data, and witness accounts. Technical examination of the F-GCGD revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions in the flight controls or engine prior to the impact. The engine was producing power at the time of impact, as evidenced by the deformation of the propeller blades.
Investigators analyzed the flight trajectory using GPS data, which showed the aircraft's speed and path between checkpoints. The investigation also reviewed the competition rules, which required the crew to maintain a specific ground speed of 75 knots. The pilot's workload was noted as being high due to the necessity of monitoring time, identifying landmarks, and navigating the course.
Findings
- The aircraft was flying at a very low airspeed, approximately 50 knots, which was near the stall speed for its configuration.
- To maintain the required ground speed of 7s knots despite a tailwind of up to 12 knots, the pilot had reduced the indicated airspeed.
- The pilot was likely attempting to correct a slight time discrepancy, as they were ahead of schedule at the previous checkpoint.
- The aircraft experienced an asymmetric stall during a tight turn after passing checkpoint 9.
- The low altitude of approximately 600 feet provided insufficient time for the pilot to recover from the stall before impacting the ground.