1 fatality

2000-09-09: Piper PA-31 Cheyenne — Private France — Montpellier-Candillargues, France

Montpellier-Candillargues, FranceTakeoff (climb)

On September 9, 2000, a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne operated by Private France was involved in an aviation accident near Montpellier-Candillargues, France during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft experienced a total loss of power due to running out of fuel, leading to an unrecoverable stall during takeoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781203238Data APIEditorial standards

A solo flight ended in a fatal crash near the runway end of Montpellier-Candillargues Airport during the initial climb phase.

What happened

During an ascent following departure from Montpellier-Candillargues Airport, an aircraft experienced a loss of lift and descended into the ground. The incident occurred while the plane was in its initial climb phase, positioned near the end of the runway.

The flight was operated by a single occupant. The pilot was the only person on board at the time of the accident and sustained one fatality during the impact.

Findings

Investigations into the crash indicate that the aircraft suffered a double engine failure. This loss of power led to an aerodynamic stall, making it impossible for the pilot to maintain altitude. The primary factor identified in this mechanical failure was fuel exhaustion, which left the engines without sufficient propellant to continue the climb.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a total loss of power due to running out of fuel, leading to an unrecoverable stall during takeoff.