What happened
During a mission conducted for the French Sécurité Civile, a twin-engine aircraft departed from Aubenas-Vals-Lanas Airport to engage in aerial firefighting operations. While the crew was maneuvering at a low altitude near an active fire zone, the aircraft impacted the terrain and subsequently exploded. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe and two fatalities, as both pilots on board were killed.
Findings
The investigation determined that the accident occurred due to a loss of control during a presentation turn executed at an extremely low height. This loss of control was triggered by an overly aggressive maneuver performed by the crew, which was necessitated by an incorrect aircraft position at the beginning of the turn. Several contributing factors were identified in the official report:
- High workload levels experienced by the captain
- Communication difficulties resulting from the use of different languages between the two crew members
- Operational procedures within the Sécurité Civile that allowed for excessive improvisation regarding the drop zone
- Reduced visibility during the final approach phase