2008 Beech 95-55 Baron accident at Périgny (F-BPJF)

Overview and flight details On 20 February 2008, a Beech 95-55 Baron with registration F-BPJF was destroyed in an accident near Périgny, France. The aircraft was privately owned and operated, and the flight was a journey from Montpellier to Toussus-le-Noble, with an intermediate stop at Bourg-en-Bresse. The pilot and one passenger were aboard. The aircraft departed Bourg-en-Bresse at 17:55 UTC from runway 36. During climb, the pilot had difficulty contacting Lyon Saint-Exupéry approach control. At 18:08 UTC the aircraft was at flight level 70. One minute later, the pilot set the transponder to the radio-failure code A7600, then changed it to A7333. At 18:13 UTC, radio contact was re-established, and the flight continued toward flight level 100 and the Autun VOR. ## Emergency declaration and loss of contact At 18:37 UTC, the pilot contacted SIV Seine. At 18:45:58 UTC, the controller instructed a descent to flight level 80, which the pilot acknowledged. At 18:46:54 UTC, the pilot reported an engine problem. The controller advised that Auxerre aerodrome was 4 nautical miles away and provided a heading of 350°. The controller also suggested lighting the runway on 129.8 MHz. At 18:49:10 UTC, the pilot declared an emergency and stated the intention to land at Auxerre. The controller continued to provide position information and informed the BTIV. From 18:51:58 UTC, no further contact was received from the aircraft. The wreckage was found the following morning around 06:30 UTC. ## Casualties and aircraft damage The pilot, a 47-year-old male, was killed. The passenger sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed. ## Aircraft and pilot information The aircraft was a Beech 95-55, serial number TC 1143, first flown in 1968. It was powered by two Continental IO-470 L engines. The pilot held a valid PPL and various ratings, including multi-engine and instrument ratings. His total experience was 1,243 hours, with 20 hours 15 minutes on type. The accident flight was his first night IFR flight in this multi-engine aircraft.