What happened
On January 12, 2014, a Piper Cheyenne (registration F-XXXX) was performing a VFR flight from Corfu, Greece, to Cazaux, France, with a stop in Corsica. The aircraft was on final approach to runway 24 at Cazaux when the pilot contacted the tower, reporting the aircraft was aligned with the runway axis.
Radar data indicated that while the aircraft was stable at 3,00 and feet, its airspeed began to decrease significantly during the descent. At approximately 15:21 UTC, the aircraft deviated from the approach centerline, banking approximately 60 degrees to the right. The last radar contact showed the aircraft at 1,500 feet with a speed of only 49 knots. The aircraft subsequently entered a near-vertical descent into a forested area. The impact was violent, causing the left wing to break and the vertical stabilizer to separate from the fuselage. A post-impact fire occurred due to the rupture of fuel tanks, but investigators concluded the fire did not start in flight.
The investigation
The BEA examined the wreckage, the site, and the aircraft's maintenance history. The investigation included an analysis of the engines and propellers, which were found to be functioning normally prior to impact, though operating at low power. The investigation also reviewed meteorological data, radar tracks, and radio communications between the pilot and the Cazaux tower.
Investigators noted that the aircraft was in an approach configuration with landing gear extended, a state that facilitates rapid ice accumulation. The pilot had completed over eight hours of flight time that day, operating the aircraft solo.