What happened
On January 20, 2000, a privately operated Jodel D18 amateur-built aircraft, registration F-PCMH, crashed shortly after takeoff from the Périgue and Bassillac aerodrome. After departing from runway 12, the aircraft climbed with a relatively high pitch angle. Upon reaching an altitude of approximately 50 meters near the control tower, the aircraft entered a sharp left turn with a very high roll rate. During this maneuver, the aircraft's airspeed decreased rapidly, leading to a stall. Although the pilot attempted to level the wings, the low altitude prevented recovery, and the aircraft struck the ground near the runway, immediately catching fire and resulting in two fatalities.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aircraft's mechanical condition and the pilot's actions. Investigators examined the wreckage, noting that while the fire caused significant damage to the wooden and fabric structure, the engine remained functional and showed no signs of failure; the propeller was still rotating at the time of impact. The control cables were inspected, and while a break was found in the right aileron linkage, it was determined to be a result of the impact rather than an in-flight failure, as the pilot had successfully leveled the wings before hitting the ground. Maintenance records, which were kept by the pilot in his capacity as a qualified mechanic, showed no irregularities or recent maintenance issues that could have compromised airworthiness.
Findings
- The pilot initiated a steep left turn at a very low altitude.
- The high angle of bank, estimated at approximately 90 degrees, caused a rapid loss of airspeed and a subsequent stall.
- The pilot's lack of experience on the Jodel D18 may have contributed to an unexpected aircraft response during the maneuver, as the pilot was more accustomed to performing similar turns in a Stearmann biplane.
- The low altitude at which the maneuver was commenced left insufficient margin for recovery.