What happened
On February 26, 2011, a Cessna P210N Centurion, registration F-GMGF, departed Rouen for Montpellier as an IFR flight. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and one passenger. During the climb, the pilot requested an increase in altitude to FL170. While navigating the area, the pilot informed air traffic control that they were experiencing issues with the autopilot and were performing tests.
Shortly after, air traffic controllers observed the aircraft's radar track oscillating between east and west headings. The controller instructed the pilot to turn right to heading 250 for separation. Following this instruction, the aircraft entered a steep descending turn. The radar track showed a rapid loss of altitude, dropping 4,000 feet in just 21 seconds. At approximately 14:14 UTC, radar contact was lost. The wreckage was subsequently found scattered across a four-kilometer debris field near Saint Christophe-sur-Avres, indicating a structural failure in flight.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aircraft's flight path, the environmental conditions, and the mechanical state of the aircraft. Investigators examined the wreckage and found that the right wing had separated from the fuselage. The debris distribution was consistent with an in-flight breakup caused by aerodynamic loads.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's meteorological briefing and the actual weather conditions at the time of the accident. While the pilot had prepared a flight dossier, the investigation noted a discrepancy between the forecasted weather and the actual presence of an active thunderstorm front. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the pilot's attempts to troubleshoot the autopilot, which may have diverted attention from flight parameter monitoring.