Perpignan–Oran Flight Accident: Loss of Control in Difficult Weather (F-BEIZ)

Flight Plan and Departure The pilot filed an instrument flight rules (IFR) plan for a direct route from Perpignan to Oran at 8,000 feet, with an estimated duration of 3 hours and 15 minutes. Algiers was designated as the alternate. At 1045 local time, the crew requested take-off clearance from Perpignan control tower and, after engine run-up, made a normal take-off at the same time. After departure, the aircraft was observed climbing away somewhat off the SSE heading, consistent with the conventional procedure of flying around Cape Creus to avoid the Alberes mountains before proceeding toward Oran. ## Radio Contacts and Position Reports At 1056 local time, the aircraft contacted Perpignan navigational direction finding (D/F) and reported a true track of 202 degrees, good visibility, and an altitude of 8,000 feet. It requested a magnetic bearing (QDR). At 1058 local time, the D/F station transmitted a QDR of 1620 and logged strong interference caused by static. At 1131 local time, the aircraft contacted Aix area control centre and reported Barcelona abeam. At 1200 local time, it contacted Algiers area control centre, reporting an estimated time of arrival at Oran of 1415 local time, an altitude of 8,000 feet, and flight sometimes below and sometimes in clouds (QBH-QBF). It also reported static interference and requested a true bearing from Algiers (QTE). Algiers replied at 1158 local time with a QTE of 3320. At 1216 local time, the aircraft reported that its position at 1208 local time was 40°N 25°E, with an updated ETA at Oran of 1410 local time. ## Final Contact and Crash At 1226 local time, the last message was received from the aircraft. It reported a bearing on Algiers of 3170, an altitude of 8,000 feet, and flight in cloud, and requested clearance to descend to 6,000 feet. About two minutes later, the aircraft went out of control and crashed into the sea approximately 60 km north of Cap de la Nau and about 50 km northwest of Ibiza Island. The aircraft was destroyed on impact and sank. Few debris and dead bodies were found four days later. All 39 occupants were killed.