What happened
On May 14, 1998, a Cessna 172 L Skyhawk, registered F-BSHF, departed Bilbao, Spain, for a private flight to Belvès, France. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and three passengers. After an initial stop in Biarritz for customs, the pilot decided to continue north along the coastline toward Mimizan.
As the aircraft progressed along the coast, it encountered deteriorating weather conditions. While the pilot initially reported flying in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) at approximately 500 feet, heavy fog and low stratus clouds were moving in from the sea. At 16:49, a Gendarmerary helicopter pilot reported a ceiling of only 100 meters over the coast. Despite being advised by Biarritz controllers that the terrain ahead was unsuitable and that weather at Mimizan was also poor, the pilot elected to continue following the shoreline.
By 17:05, the pilot reported difficulty contacting the Cazaux control center. Radar data showed the aircraft performing erratic maneuvers, including a significant change in heading and a decrease in airspeed. The aircraft disappeared from radar screens at 17:13, approximately two nautical miles from the coast near Lit-et-Mixe.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's flight path, radar data, and radio communications between the pilot and Biarritz tower. Investigators analyzed satellite and radar imagery, which confirmed that sea breezes were pushing low stratus and fog onto the French coast, significantly reducing visibility and ceiling heights. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's communications, noting that the pilot was aware of the deteriorating conditions but chose to maintain a low-altitude coastal route.
Findings
- The aircraft was flying at a very low altitude (approximately 500 feet) along the coastline.
- The flight encountered rapidly deteriorating weather, including low stratus clouds and heavy fog, which significantly reduced visibility.
- The pilot continued the flight along the coast despite warnings from air traffic controllers regarding the low ceiling and the unsuitability of the terrain for VFR flight.
- The aircraft's disappearance coincided with erratic radar tracks involving changes in heading and speed.
Two fatalities and one person missing were recorded following the crash, which resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft.