What happened
A twin-engine aircraft, operated by IMAO for aerial photography purposes, departed from Limoges-Bellegarde Airport at 10:09 local time. The flight crew consisted of the pilot and one operator. The mission objectives involved conducting photography over the Peyrelevade sector at 7,000 feet, followed by a second mission over Ussel at 6,500 feet.
After completing the aerial photography tasks, the pilot initiated the return to Limoges. Upon contacting air traffic control, the crew was directed to perform a right base leg approach for landing on runway 03. During the descent, approximately two minutes after the aircraft passed through 3,000 feet, the pilot notified controllers that the aircraft was running low on fuel and declared an emergency landing attempt.
The twin-engine aircraft struck trees and came to rest in a field situated near Verneuil-sur-Vienne, approximately 3,600 feet short of runway 03. The impact resulted in two serious injuries and the total loss of the aircraft.
Findings
- The flight crew attempted an emergency landing due to insufficient fuel reserves.