Cirrus SR-20 Crash in Poncins During Training Flight (F-HCPT)

Flight Details and Accident Sequence On July 31, 2013, at 14:55 local time, a Cirrus SR-20 with registration F-HCPT departed from Lyon-Bron aerodrome for a visual flight rules (VFR) training flight. The aircraft, operated by a club, carried an instructor and a student. The flight proceeded to Feurs aerodrome, where the crew conducted a circuit and a go-around on the unpaved runway 33. Radar data indicated the aircraft climbed at a ground speed of approximately 80 knots and a vertical speed of 475 feet per minute. At an altitude of 2,200 feet, the aircraft's trajectory dropped sharply and turned left. The wreckage was found at the last recorded radar position near Poncins. ## Wreckage and Impact Findings The aircraft struck the ground and trees with a steep nose-down attitude of approximately 40 degrees. The engine was running at impact, and the flaps were in the 100% landing position. The ballistic parachute was deployed in the trees, with the deployment handle found out of its housing. The aircraft was intact but had significant energy at impact. No mechanical malfunction was identified that could have contributed to the accident. ## Investigation and Probable Cause The onboard computer data showed no anomalies, though the last minute of flight data was missing. A test flight on a similar aircraft suggested the climb was performed with flaps in the landing configuration, which was unusual. The investigation concluded that the loss of control was likely caused by sudden, inappropriate control inputs. The parachute was deployed shortly before impact, but the low altitude prevented the system from absorbing enough energy to save the occupants. The instructor and student were killed, and the aircraft was destroyed.