What happened
On February 20, 2013, at 15:40 local time, a Scheibe SF-25C motor glider, registered F-CAQQ, was performing circuit patterns at the Coulommiers Voisin aerodrome. The pilot, who had previously completed a training flight with an instructor, had taken off alone to continue practicing circuits.
While on final approach for runway 09C, the aircraft struck the ground approximately 1,900 meters before the runway threshold. The impact was followed by a fire that completely destroyed the aircraft. An eyewitness, flying in the vicinity, observed the aircraft suddenly enter a nose-down pitch of approximately 60 degrees. The witness noted that the pitch attitude remained constant until impact, with no observed rolling motion, smoke, or departing debris, and no distress calls were heard on the radio frequency.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aircraft's mechanical state and the pilot's flight profile. Investigators examined the wreckage and found no evidence of malfunctions, specifically noting that the elevator controls were functional. The engine was found to be delivering power at the moment of impact, and the air brakes were in the unlocked position.
Information provided by the instructor indicated that the pilot typically performed glider-style approaches, utilizing reduced engine power and managing the descent rate via the air brakes. The autopsy of the pilot could not determine if he was conscious immediately prior to the collision.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a sudden loss of pitch control leading to a high-angle nose-down attitude.
- The engine was producing power at the time of the crash.
- No mechanical failures in the elevator or flight controls were identified.
- The pilot was an experienced flyer with approximately 1,200 total flight hours.