Accident Sequence
A single-engine airplane departed Cannes-Mandelieu Airport with two passengers and one pilot on a private flight to Courchevel Altiport. The purpose was to maintain the pilot's qualification to land at that airport. Approaching from a right-hand base leg, the pilot configured for landing on runway 22. On final approach, the altimeter indicated an altitude near the runway threshold, and the aircraft was leveled off. Seconds before touchdown, the stall warning activated. Engine power was increased then reduced to idle. The airplane's undercarriage struck an embankment above the runway threshold and was torn off. The aircraft briefly lifted then settled back onto the runway, sliding about 100 meters before coming to rest. A fire erupted on the right side of the fuselage. The pilot and front passenger exited through the rear door and managed to extract the rear passenger, who was unconscious and died minutes later.
Investigation Findings
The investigation found that the accident was caused by a premature descent during the approach. The pilot began descending on the base leg, whereas mountain landing practices call for descent on final after intercepting the descent plan. This was combined with an erroneous assessment of the aircraft's position relative to the final descent path. The aircraft was flying at an altitude of 6,600 feet during the last turn, about 400 feet below the altitude indicated on the approach chart. Contributing factors included likely insufficient pilot training, a lack of landing experience at Courchevel, and a misunderstanding between the pilot and the passenger seated on the right about his role, as that passenger was an airline pilot and instructor.