What happened
On the evening of January 17, 2001, a Beechcraft 95-C 55 Baron, registration F-BUTZ, was conducting a private flight from Essen, Germany, to Dijon-Longvic, France. The flight, which began under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and transitioned to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), carried one pilot and three passengers.
While approaching Dijon-Longvic at night, the pilot decided to deviate from the standard ILS approach for runway 36, opting instead for a direct approach to runway 18. During the descent, the aircraft's flight path became unstable and uncoordinated. Witnesses observed the aircraft performing low-altitude turns near the ground, appearing to align itself with an avenue lined with streetlights.
At approximately 19:15 UTC, the aircraft struck the ground at a car wash facility located about three kilometers from the threshold of runway 1 and collided with a lamppost. The impact caused the aircraft to catch fire, resulting in one fatality and leaving the remaining three occupants uninjured.
The investigation
The BEA investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making and the transition from instrument to visual flight. Investigators examined the wreckage, which showed that both engines were producing power at the moment of impact. The aircraft was in a landing configuration, with the landing gear extended and flaps set for landing.
Radar analysis revealed that the approach was rushed and non-stabilized. The pilot had deviated from the published VORTAC 18 procedure by following an incorrect axis and descending below the minimum sector altitude without radar guidance. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the pilot was seated in the right-hand seat, which is unusual for non-instructional flights and can complicate the reading of certain cockpit instruments.
Findings
- The pilot initiated a rushed and incomplete approach procedure.
- The pilot confused urban streetlights with runway approach lighting during the transition from instrument to visual flight.
- The approach was conducted at high speeds (near 170 knots) before a sudden deceleration occurred near the ground.
- Potential time and financial pressures may have influenced the pilot's decision to adopt a shortcut approach strategy.
- The pilot failed to follow the established VORTAC 18 arrival instructions.