What happened
On the evening of August 26, 2001, a Colomban MC 15 "Cri-Cri" (F-PRDQ) was performing a local flight near the Cassagnes-Bégonhès aerodrome. After approximately one hour and twenty-five minutes of flight time, the pilot attempted to enter the traffic pattern for runway 22.
Witnesses on the ground observed that the aircraft appeared to be flying at a higher altitude than usual during its final approach. They then noted the sudden cessation of engine noise. The aircraft continued on its flight path for several seconds without descending before banking slowly to the left and pitching rapidly toward the ground. The aircraft struck the ground nose-first and came to rest on its back. The accident resulted in one fatality.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aircraft's fuel system and engine performance. Investigators found that both the fuel tank and the fuel lines were empty, with no traces of fuel found at the wreckage or the immediate surrounding area. An examination of the two JPX PUL252 engines revealed no mechanical anomalies or malfunctions.
Records from the previous owner and builder indicated that the aircraft, when equipped with 212 cm³ engines, had an average fuel consumption of 8.25 liters per hour. However, the current owner had upgraded the engines to a 252 cm³ displacement. Based on witness testimony and post-accident calculations, the actual fuel consumption during the recent flights was approximately 10 liters per hour.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was fuel exhaustion during the final approach.
- The pilot had underestimated the aircraft's fuel consumption following the installation of larger engines.
- The pilot did not record the quantities of fuel uplifted in the aircraft logbook, which contributed to the lack of awareness regarding remaining endurance.
- The simultaneous failure of both engines, as observed by witnesses, suggests there was no asymmetric thrust issue prior to the engines stopping.