2006 Arette-La Pierre Saint-Martin Robin DR 400-160 accident (F-GEKE)

Overview and flight details On 22 January 2006, a Robin DR 400-160 “Major” registered F-GEKE crashed in the commune of Arette-La Pierre Saint-Martin in the French department of 64. The aircraft was owned and operated by Club d’Oloron-Herrère and was on a local flight. The pilot, a 29-year-old man, departed from Oloron-Herrère aerodrome shortly after 13:00 UTC with three passengers for a sightseeing flight. The aircraft first flew over Biarritz and Capbreton, then took a south-easterly heading. Before leaving the Biarritz terminal manoeuvring area, the pilot told the controller that he would return to Oloron after a “light overflight of the Pyrenees.” ## Accident sequence and impact About twenty minutes later, the aircraft was observed over the La Pierre-Saint-Martin ski station, flying low and slowly over the ski slopes on a southerly route. Witnesses reported that it suddenly banked sharply to the right and pitched toward the ground. The wreckage was found on a lightly sloping, snow-covered slope at 2,072 metres altitude, near the northern edge of a cirque formed by the Soum-Couy, Mur Long, and Pic d’Anie peaks. The aircraft broke into two main parts; the forward fuselage was buried in the snow up to the wing roots, while the rear section rested on the ground with little damage. The aircraft was destroyed. ## Aircraft, pilot, and conditions The aircraft was a Pierre Robin DR 400-160, serial number 1729, first registered on 7 August 1992. At the time of the accident it had 6,534 airframe hours and 976 hours since its major overhaul. It was powered by a Lycoming O-320-D2A engine, serial number L-10929-39A, with 9,140 hours. The estimated take-off mass was 980 kg, below the 1,050 kg maximum, and the centre of gravity was within limits. The pilot held a private pilot licence issued in August 2005 and had 56 total flight hours, including 18 as pilot-in-command, all on type. He did not hold a mountain flying qualification, though he had completed a club awareness course consisting of a theoretical lesson and a discovery flight. Meteorological observations at Pau and Biarritz at 14:00 UTC reported clear or scattered cloud conditions, good visibility, and a QNH of 1027 hPa. Météo-France estimated winds at the accident site of 040° at 12 to 15 kt, with gusts up to 20 kt, clear skies over the relief, visibility above 10 km, and a temperature of +3 °C. The rescue helicopter pilot later recorded winds of 25 to 30 kt at altitude and reported strong turbulence associated with strong winds and rotor effects. ## Investigation findings Examinations of the wreckage and engine found no technical malfunction that could explain the accident. The flap control chain showed damage consistent with ground impact, and the flap handle locks indicated the flaps were set to the first position. The engine, propeller, and carburettor showed no anomalies, and bench tests indicated normal engine operation. The aircraft’s transponder Mode C was not activated. Autopsy of the pilot found no substances that could have impaired his faculties. The force of the collision left no chance of survival for the occupants.