What happened
A single-engine aircraft departed from runway 23 at Geneva-Cointrin Airport at 11:57LT, bound for Genk-Zwartberg Airport for scheduled maintenance. During the initial climb phase under instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), the pilot was cleared to reach FL090 after being transferred to the departure frequency.
While climbing at approximately 4,200 feet and a speed of 142 knots, the aircraft began a steep ascent before veering toward the left. Following this deviation, the aircraft experienced a period where it ceased to climb, followed by an interval of instability as the pilot attempted to stabilize the flight path. By 11:59LT, the plane had drifted roughly 555 metres from the runway axis.
After experiencing significant fluctuations in altitude and ground speed while following erratic headings, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent. The plane crashed into an open field in Sézenove, situated approximately 7.8 km southwest of the Geneva-Cointrin Airport runway 05 threshold. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate, and the pilot was killed, resulting in one fatality.
Findings
The investigation concluded that the accident resulted from a loss of control that placed the aircraft into unusual attitudes which could not be recovered. It was determined that the pilot's insufficient proficiency in managing the complex systems of a high-performance aircraft contributed to the accident.