2008 Robin DR 400-140 B Mountain Collision in La-Côte-d’Arbroz (F-GYKY)

Overview and Flight Details On 10 July 2008, a Robin DR 400-140 B “Major” with registration F-GYKY was destroyed in a collision with mountainous terrain at La-Côte-d’Arbroz (74), France. The aircraft was operated by the Club Aéronautique d’Annemasse and was on a local visual flight rules (VFR) flight. The accident occurred at approximately 11:30 UTC, and all four people on board were killed. ## Occupants and Aircraft The pilot was an 18-year-old male who held a private pilot license obtained in April 2008. He had a total of 88 hours 40 minutes of flight experience, including 86 hours 35 minutes on type. The three passengers were adolescents aged 13 to 16 who were participating in an introductory aviation course. The aircraft, serial number 2542, was powered by a Lycoming O-320-D2A engine rated at 160 horsepower. Its airworthiness certificate was valid until 27 November 2008. ## Weather and Terrain At the time of the accident, the sky was clear and visibility was good. Winds in the area were from the west to southwest at 8 to 10 knots, with gusts up to 18 knots recorded nearby. The accident site was in a mountain cirque, with the wreckage found on a rocky slope near the Pointe d’Ulbe. The slope was in shadow, and the report noted a high risk of downdrafts in that area. ## Investigation Findings Witnesses reported the aircraft flying at very low altitude over the Col de l’Encrenaz before entering the cirque. One witness observed the aircraft making a wide left turn along the rock walls, then turning sharply left and descending in a spiral with the engine at full power. The wreckage examination indicated the aircraft struck the ground on a trajectory nearly perpendicular to the slope, with the engine delivering power. The tachometer showed an engine speed of 2,200 rpm at impact. No mechanical malfunction was identified that could explain the accident. ## Probable Cause The BEA concluded that the accident resulted from the pilot’s decision to conduct low-altitude maneuvers in mountainous terrain, where aerological conditions were irregular and the risk of downdrafts was high. The aircraft’s proximity to the terrain and the high angle of descent left no opportunity for recovery.