What happened
On March 22, 2009, a Jodel D140 C Mousquetaire, registration F-BMFX, was performing mountain flight instruction maneuvers on the Etendard Glacier near Saint Sorlin d’Arves. The flight, operated by Aéroclub de Méribel, involved an instructor in the right seat, a student pilot in the left seat, and a passenger in the rear.
After a successful initial landing and takeoff on a secondary axis known as "la bosse à Collot," the aircraft performed a second landing. During this second touchdown, the skis became embedded in the snow, prompting the crew to shut down the engine to clear the skis. To facilitate a restart, the instructor moved to the left seat to take command, while the student pilot assisted from the ground by steadying the wing.
As the aircraft began its takeoff roll, a witness in another aircraft observed the F-BMFX roll slightly to the left and then to the right. The aircraft then abruptly inverted, flipped onto its back, and struck the glacier in a nearly vertical attitude. The impact was unsurvivable.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's condition, the meteorological environment, and the medical history of the crew. The aircraft was found to be in a high state of airworthiness and was correctly equipped with skis for glacier operations. Meteorological reports indicated clear skies and stable, light winds at the time of the accident, though earlier turbulence had been noted in the region.
Investigators analyzed the wreckage, noting that the engine was in excellent working order and the flight controls were fully functional. The investigation also focused on the pilot's medical status, discovering that the pilot's medical certificate was invalid and that he suffered from coronary artery disease.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a loss of control at a very low altitude (approximately 100 feet) immediately following takeoff.
- While the exact cause of the loss of control could not be definitively established, the investigation could not rule out a medical emergency, such as a sudden incapacitation, due to the pilot's known coronary artery disease.
- The pilot was operating with an invalid medical certificate, as he had performed his own medical examination, which is prohibited under aviation regulations.
- The aircraft was properly configured for the terrain, with skis correctly attached and flaps set for takeoff.