What happened
On October 3, 2010, a Jodel DR1050 aircraft, registered F-BKBZ, was conducting a VFR flight from Jonzac to Salon Eyguières. The pilot was accompanied by his wife and two young children. During the flight, the pilot contacted air traffic control to report a descent due to weather conditions and later requested to transit the airspace associated with Montpellier airport.
While communicating with Montpellier controllers, the pilot expressed intentions to descend to 1,0 and perform a visual approach. Despite instructions from the controller to steer toward the south-southeast to avoid heavy commercial traffic, radar data indicated the aircraft followed a south-westerly course. At approximately 17:37 UTC, radio and radar contact with the aircraft was lost. The aircraft subsequently struck terrain at an altitude of approximately 1,970 feet. The impact resulted in four fatalities (the pilot and three passengers) and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight's progression, the pilot's decision-making, and the prevailing meteorological conditions. Investigators examined radar data, radio transcripts between the pilot and Montpellier controllers, and the aircraft's maintenance records. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's professional background, noting his significant experience in aerobatics and his status as a recognized figure in the French aerobatic community. The weather analysis revealed significant cloud cover, rain, and moderate to strong turbulence in the area at the time of the accident.