Fatal Loss of Control After Departure from Geneva-Cointrin (N246PR)

Departure and Initial Climb A pilot flying alone departed Geneva-Cointrin Airport on a private flight to Genk-Zwartberg Airport, where the aircraft was scheduled for maintenance. The single-engine aircraft took off from runway 23 at 1157 local time and continued climbing in instrument meteorological conditions. Approximately 30 seconds after being transferred to the departure frequency, the pilot received clearance to climb to flight level 090. At 4,200 feet and a speed of 142 knots, the aircraft climbed steeply and veered left. It stopped climbing about 12 seconds later, and another 8 seconds were required to stabilize and resume the route. At 1159 local time, the aircraft deviated left for 20 seconds, drifting about 555 meters from the runway axis. After experiencing significant variations in heading, ground speed, and altitude, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in an open field in Sézenove, approximately 7.8 kilometers southwest of the runway 05 threshold at Geneva-Cointrin Airport. The aircraft disintegrated on impact, and the pilot was killed.