What happened
On August 24, 2008, a Socata Rallye 110 ST, registered F-GBSL, was performing a local flight at the Pierrelatte aerodrome. As the pilot prepared to land on the unpaved 36L runway, the aircraft was flying in a tailwind component. Witnesses observed the aircraft initiate a flare near the ground, but the plane subsequently climbed to a height of approximately 100 feet and entered a left-hand turn.
During this maneuver, the aircraft entered a nose-down attitude, and the bank angle increased until it reached 90 degrees. The left wingtip and propeller struck the ground, causing the aircraft to flip onto its back and slide across the terrain, resulting in the total destruction of the airframe. The pilot, an 8/85-year-old male, sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
The BEA investigation focused on the aircraft's mechanical condition, the meteorological environment, and the pilot's recent flight activity. Examination of the wreckage showed that the control cables remained continuous and the flaps were in an intermediate position at the time of impact. There was no evidence of engine failure; the propeller deformation and power lever position indicated the engine was delivering power at a high setting.
Meteorological data from nearby Orange indicated winds of approximately 18 knots with gusts up to 30 knots. A witness on the aerodrome noted that the wind had strengthened during the flight. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight logs, noting that while he had significant total experience, he had flown only a few hours in the preceding month.
Findings
- The aircraft's flight controls and engine were functioning correctly, ruling out mechanical failure as a cause.
- The aircraft entered a steep bank and nose-down attitude due to inappropriate control inputs during the landing phase.
- The pilot was attempting to complete several flights in a short period to meet requirements for license renewal, as his current license was set to expire on August 31, 2008.
- The investigation noted that the pilot's age and the high level of concentration required for the approach under gusty conditions may have contributed to a potential pilot incapacity or error.