2009 Robin DR400-120 accident at Saints

Overview and Circumstances On 7 December 2009, a Robin DR400-120 registered F-GABG, operated by a flying club, departed from Fontenay-Trésigny aerodrome for a local flight. The pilot, a 55-year-old private pilot, took off with full fuel around 10:15 local time. Initial weather conditions were compatible with visual flight, but thick fog developed rapidly in the area. ## Loss of Contact and Final Approach The pilot's usual instructor, who had taken off earlier, observed the deteriorating conditions and returned to the aerodrome. Around 10:35, the instructor contacted the pilot by radio, who replied that it was becoming increasingly foggy and that he was climbing. The pilot subsequently stopped responding to radio calls. At 12:11, Seine Info air traffic control established contact with the pilot, who reported flying at low altitude within the fog layer and being lost. Radar identified the aircraft at 12:20, but the radar echo disappeared and radio contact was lost within the following minute. ## Investigation Findings The wreckage was found in a field. The site and wreckage examination indicated the aircraft struck the ground on a near-vertical trajectory, consistent with a loss of control. Engine examination showed it was producing power at the time of the accident. The pilot had 367 total flight hours, including 231 hours as pilot-in-command. In the two years before the accident, all of his flights were local, generally under one hour. ## Cause The accident was caused by a loss of control while the pilot was flying at low altitude in fog without external visual references. The pilot was caught by a rapid weather deterioration involving thick fog banks. The flight path analysis showed the pilot did not consider climbing above the layer or diverting before the air traffic controller suggested it.