What happened
On 19 October 2013, a Pilatus Porter was conducting a series of parachute jump operations. The day's operations involved multiple flights, each carrying between 9 and 10 passengers. Following a 13:20 landing at EBNM, the aircraft departed for another group of 10 parachut-ists. At 13:28, the aircraft was observed at 1200 ft, and air traffic control subsequently instructed the pilot to maintain 2000 ft AMSL to accommodate crossing traffic. After the traffic cleared, the pilot was permitted to climb to 5000 ft and was later authorized to turn back toward the EBNM airfield.
During the return flight, witnesses observed several irregularities. One observer noted the aircraft performing a wide left turn and reported hearing abnormal engine noises, specifically comparing the sound to engine backfires. This was followed by a loud explosion and the aircraft entering a dive. Another witness, located near the E42 highway, observed the aircraft performing maneuvers that appeared to be aerobatic, noting that the plane was spinning and diving before the wing broke apart. A third witness, a sailplane pilot, observed the aircraft at a low altitude and heard a change in engine or propeller pitch, followed by a steep dive and a sharp pull-out maneuver that resulted in the wing separating.
The aircraft ultimately crashed in a field in the Gelbressée area, causing a fire upon impact. While 4 fatalities occurred among the passengers who were ejected from the aircraft just before the crash, the impact resulted in all occupants being killed. Debris, including a large section of the left wing and the right cabin door, was recovered approximately 2 km from the primary wreckage site.
Findings
- Witnesses reported hearing an explosion that they believed was caused by engine turbine disintegration.
- Observations from the ground indicated the aircraft experienced significant structural failure, specifically the separation of the wing, during a high-stress maneuver.