Colomban MC 15 Crash at Ouessant Following Aborted Approach

Casualties unknown • FR

A Colomban MC 15 'Cri-Cri' was destroyed after colliding with a house during an unstable maneuver following an interrupted landing at Ouessant aerodrome.

What happened

On May 22, 2004, at 17:10, a privately operated Colomban MC 15 (registration F-PJYB) was involved in a fatal accident at the Ouessant aerodrome. Following a gathering of similar aircraft at Morlaix, the pilot decided to proceed to Ouessant. Upon contacting the Brest TMA flight information service, the pilot was notified of wind conditions at Ouessant consisting of 20-knot winds from 070° with gusts up to 30 knots and moderate turbulence.

While the first group of aircraft successfully landed on runway 06, the pilot of the F-PJYB attempted to integrate directly into the final approach for runway 24. During this process, the pilot realized that runway 06 was actually in service. At an altitude of approximately 30 meters, the pilot aborted the final approach. During the subsequent maneuver, the aircraft encountered strong tailwinds and gusts.

In an attempt to land as quickly as possible on runway 06, the pilot performed an improvised maneuver. The aircraft entered a base leg toward the left side of the runway, flying at an altitude of roughly 15 meters. During this turn, the aircraft became unstable in both roll and pitch, losing altitude. The right wing struck a chimney of a residential building, causing the aircraft to crash and resulting in the destruction of the aircraft.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's haste during an aborted approach and the subsequent improvised maneuvers to rejoin the active runway, which led to a loss of control in turbulent wind conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-05-22 ACCIDENT survenu à l’avion accident near FR?

A Colomban MC 15 'Cri-Cri' was destroyed after colliding with a house during an unstable maneuver following an interrupted landing at Ouessant aerodrome.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-05-22 involved a ACCIDENT survenu à l’avion, registration F-PJYB, at FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's haste during an aborted approach and the subsequent improvised maneuvers to rejoin the active runway, which led to a loss of control in turbulent wind conditions.

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