Accident Overview
A single-engine aircraft collided with terrain on the southeast slope of Mt Afrique in Corcelle-les-Monts, France. The accident resulted in the deaths of all four occupants on board.
Flight History
The aircraft departed Ostend Airport, Belgium, on a flight to the private airstrip of Château La Chassagne, located approximately 21 km west of Dijon-Longvic Airport. The portion of the flight from Ostend to Dijon was conducted under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and was uneventful.
After clearance to continue under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) to La Chassagne, the pilot cancelled the IFR flight plan and was cleared for a descent to runway 36.
Weather and Descent
At the time, visibility was 10 km with rain. The ceiling was at 800 feet, and the minimum safe altitude was 3,300 feet. The pilot informed ATC that he was descending to runway 18 and subsequently left the frequency.
Impact and Aftermath
Shortly after leaving the frequency, at an altitude of 1,700 feet, the aircraft struck the southeast slope of Mt Afrique. The wreckage was found in a wooded area.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the accident was the result of a controlled flight into terrain following the obstinacy of the pilot to continue the descent in adverse weather conditions. It was also reported that the medical certificate, related to the pilot's license issued by the United States in 2002, was obtained on the basis of a false declaration, omitting the elements that had previously justified unfitness in Belgium.