What happened
On February 10, 1997, at approximately 16:15, a Criquet LC 10 amateur-built aircraft, registered F-PXKK, was performing local flight maneuvers at Roanne Aerodrome. The pilot, who had personally constructed the aircraft, had completed approximately ten circuit laps prior to this flight. During the seventh circuit, while the aircraft was on final approach at an altitude of roughly 300 feet and approximately 300 meters from the runway threshold, the aircraft experienced a severe pitch-up attitude. This was immediately followed by a sudden nose-down movement, causing the aircraft to strike the ground. The impact resulted in two fatalities (the pilot and one passenger) and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight sequence and the physical condition of the aircraft. Investigators examined the wreckage of the F-PXKK to identify any mechanical or structural failures that might have contributed to the loss of control. The examination of the debris did not reveal any evidence of technical or mechanical failure. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were determined to be non-contributory.