What happened
On October 17, 1998, a Jodel D 119 T, registration F-BIBH, was performing a local flight departing from Montauban aerodrome. During the initial climb, the Continental C90-14F engine experienced engine roughness and a loss of power.
Following the power loss, the pilot initiated a steep left-hand turn. Witnesses observed the aircraft performing a level turn that eventually transitioned into a sharp nose-down pitch. The aircraft struck a field approximately 250 meters east of the runway threshold, sliding across the ground before the airframe disintegrated. The impact resulted in one fatality (the pilot) and one minor injury (the passenger).
The investigation
The investigation focused on the engine'-s performance and the flight maneuvers following the power loss. Investigators examined the wreckage and found that the engine was receiving fuel and showed no signs of carburetor icing. While the right magneto was functional, the left magneto was found to be inoperable due to the failure of a gear sector on its distributor pinion. This damage was determined to have occurred prior to the impact.
Although the engine showed advanced wear on the camshaft and hydraulic lifters, no major mechanical failures were identified other than the magneto issue. Analysis of the propeller indicated that the engine was not producing power at the moment of impact. Witnesses and the passenger also noted that the pilot attempted to communicate a landing procedure via radio during the descent, though no emergency message was recorded on the aerodrome frequency.
Findings
- The failure of the left magneto's distributor pinion caused a loss of engine power during the climb.
- The pilot attempted to return to the airfield by executing a steep, level turn.
- The primary cause was an inappropriate decision to return to the airfield, which, combined with the high bank angle and lack of available power, led to an increase in angle of attack and a subsequent stall.
- The pilot's relatively low experience level may have influenced the decision to attempt a return to the urban-enclosed airfield rather than utilizing the cleared landing area straight ahead.