Accident
On a local test flight following a two-month maintenance period, an aircraft departed Rodez-Marcillac Airport at 1715 local time. The maintenance was prompted by vibrations experienced during previous flights. On board were two pilots from Air Rouergue, two engineers from the same operator, a Fokker technician, and a pilot from Air Alpes. The test program was short, about 15 minutes, with two circuits planned at an altitude of 7,000 feet over the Rodez beacon.
During approach to runway 31, the crew was required to level off at 4,400 feet QNH. Instead, the descent continued until the aircraft struck a mountain shrouded in clouds, located approximately 17 km from the airport. One passenger sustained serious injuries, while five other occupants were killed.
Investigation
The official investigation determined the probable cause: failure of the crew to level off at the prescribed altitude, either due to inadequate monitoring when passing through 4,400 feet or an altimeter setting error due to confusion between QNH and QFE. Additional factors identified included a lack of flight preparation, non-use of the radio altimeter, and a possible center of gravity outside limits that affected longitudinal maneuverability. Furthermore, no approach card was evident in the cockpit for this aerodrome, and the presence of an additional person on the flight deck may have distracted the crew.