What happened
A training flight departed from Poitiers-Biard Airport at 12:45 local time, carrying eight people, including an instructor, five student pilots, and two passengers. The mission was intended for local flight training. During the approach to the airfield, the aircraft was operating with one engine intentionally disabled as part of the training procedure.
As the flight progressed, the crew encountered complications when the landing gear failed to lock into the down position. In an attempt to manage the situation, the instructor initiated a go-around maneuver. During this phase, the aircraft experienced a right bank and struck a military structure used for storing ammunition. While the impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft, all eight occupants sustained injuries but were successfully evacuated. No injuries were reported among personnel on the ground.
Findings
The investigation identified that two simultaneous mechanical issues contributed to the accident: the delayed extension of the landing gear and a failure of the right engine to increase power during the maneuver. Furthermore, poor coordination among the crew was a significant factor. The crew, which consisted of a trainee pilot and a mechanic with limited experience, failed to synchronize their actions effectively. Additionally, the instructor's physical position within the cockpit prevented him from providing necessary assistance to the rest of the crew during the emergency.