What happened
On December 28, 2004, at approximately 07:30 local time, a Reims Aviation F 172 M, registration F-OCUX, was conducting a local sightseeing flight over Réunion Island. The aircraft departed from Saint-Denis with three passengers on board. During the flight, the pilot navigated through the Mafate cirque, following the Galets River.
As the aircraft approached the eastern side of the Piton de la Glacière, flying at an altitude of approximately 500 feet above the terrain, it encountered a powerful downdraft. The pilot observed a vertical descent rate of 2,000 feet per minute and was unable to maintain the necessary altitude. In an attempt to avoid cloud formations appearing to the right, the pilot maneuvered toward the interior of the Mafate cirque. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck a rock approximately 50 meters from the ridge crest. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and one passenger sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the meteorological conditions, the pilot's experience, and the flight trajectory. At the time of the accident, weather data from the Maïdo automated station indicated winds from 020° at 4 to 10 knots and the presence of cumulus clouds. The pilot had reviewed the weather briefing at the aero club prior to departure, which noted winds from 130° at 8 knots and cloud cover over the peaks.
Investigators also consulted another pilot who was flying in the area at the time of the accident; this witness confirmed the presence of significant downdrafts near the Piton de la Glacière. The aircraft's weight and balance were found to be within manufacturer limits, and the fuel tanks were adequately fueled for the flight.