What happened
On November 1, 2006, at approximately 19:30, a Zenair CH 601 Zodiac (identified as 77-AOH) was conducting a cross-country flight. The pilot had departed from Rozoy-le-Vie/Vieil earlier that day for a sightseeing tour near Mont-Saint-Michel, followed by a brief stop in Avranches. During the return leg, as the aircraft approached Chartres, nightfall began.
While navigating via GPS, the pilot encountered difficulty identifying the original destination's microlight platform due to the darkness and the presence of nearby wooded areas. Seeking a safer alternative, the pilot diverted to a known microlight airfield 17 nautical miles away. Upon arrival, the pilot performed a reconnaissance but decided against an approach due to the lack of visibility. Consequently, the pilot diverted again toward the Montargis aerodrome, located 13 nautical miles to the south, which offered a more favorable environment.
After searching for several minutes, the pilot located the aerodrome. The aircraft landed approximately 70 meters to the left of the glider runway. As the aircraft taxied for about 150 meters, the nose gear struck a rut, causing it to break. The aircraft continued across a plowed field for another 30 meters before flipping onto its back.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the landing and the decision-making process regarding the diversion. Investigators examined the aircraft's equipment, noting it was equipped with interior lighting powered by a cigarette lighter and landing lights mounted on each landing gear leg. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience and the meteorological conditions, which included visibility greater than 10 km and a light wind.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's decision to continue night flight despite the increasing difficulty of navigation.
- The use of GPS provided a false sense of security, encouraging the continuation of the flight into darkness.
- The selection of an unsuitable diversion airfield contributed to the accident.
- The aircraft sustained one fatality and heavy structural damage following the nose gear failure and subsequent capsize.