What happened
On August 18, 2012, a Pilatus PC-6/B2-H2, registration F-GMJG, departed Granville MontSaint-Michel airport for a parachute deployment mission. The flight involved jumps at altitudes of FL115 and FL135. During the mission, the pilot and ground personnel discussed the arrival of sea fog, but the pilot initially reported that visibility remained sufficient for the jumps.
After completing the jumps, the pilot began a descent. During the maneuver, the aircraft's descent rate increased significantly, exceeding 6,000 ft/min. While descending through approximately 1,500 ft, the aircraft entered a cloud layer and subsequently struck the sea. The aircraft was recovered approximately 1.1 NM from the threshold of runway 07. The pilot sustained injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The BEA examined the flight sequence, the meteorological conditions, and the aircraft's configuration at the time of impact. Investigators noted that the engine was producing power and the propeller was intact. The aircraft was found configured for landing, with flaps extended and the pitch trim set for pitch-up.
Meteorological analysis revealed that low stratus clouds were moving inland from the sea. While visibility near the coast remained relatively high, the cloud layer over the sea was thicker, with bases as low as 30 meters. The investigation also reviewed the operator's manual and the pressures inherent in specialized aerial work operations.
Findings
- The pilot initially selected an approach for runway 07, which necessitated flying through a low cloud layer. An approach for runway 25 would likely have maintained VFR conditions.
- A late decision to change the flight plan to a runway 25 arrival, combined with the high rate of descent, prevented the pilot from avoiding the cloud layer and the subsequent impact.
- The choice of runway 07 was likely influenced by established habits and environmental pressures to minimize noise for local residents.
- The investigation highlighted that the commercial and sporting pressures associated with parachute deployment can lead to compromises between safety and operational requirements.
Safety action
- The BEA recommended that EASA develop specific acceptable means of compliance (AMC) for the SPO (Specialised Operations) part of the regulations, including detailed specifications for parachute deployment operations to be integrated into standard operating procedures (SOPs).