What happened
On July 31, 2013, a Cirrus SR-20, registration F-HCPT, was conducting a VFR training flight from Lyon Bron to Feurs. During the flight, the crew performed a go-around on the unpaved runway 33 at Feurs. Radar data indicates that during the climb following the go-around, the aircraft maintained a ground speed of approximately 80 knots and a vertical speed of about 750 feet per minute.
As the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 2,200 feet, it experienced a sharp descent and a significant leftward turn. The aircraft subsequently struck trees and the ground with a high nose-down attitude of approximately 40 degrees. The impact resulted in two fatalities, involving both the instructor and the student.
The investigation
The BEA examined the wreckage, engine performance, and flight data recovered from the aircraft's onboard computer. While the aircraft was not equipped with a flight recorder, the recovered data showed no engine anomalies prior to the final minute of flight.
Investigators noted that the flaps were found in the 100% landing configuration, which is unusual for a climb following a go-around. Flight testing conducted on a similar aircraft under comparable weight and density altitude conditions suggested that the climb performance recorded by radar was consistent with a climb performed in this landing flap configuration. Additionally, the investigation found that the aircraft's airspeed was approximately 25 knots above the stall speed for that specific configuration, meaning a stall was not the immediate cause of the loss of control.
Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft dive toward the ground and observing the deployment of the parachute just moments before the impact. The sound of an explosion was heard, which was later attributed to the activation of the parachute's pyrotechnic deployment system.
Findings
- The aircraft was in a landing flap configuration during the climb, which is atypical for a go-around procedure.
- The aircraft experienced a loss of control at a low altitude.
- The parachute was deployed very shortly before impact, but the low altitude prevented the system from absorbing enough energy to ensure the survival of the occupants.
- No mechanical or technical failures were identified as contributing factors to the accident.