Incident Overview
On an unspecified date, a pilot departed Maribo aerodrome in Denmark at approximately 14:45 local time, with the intended destination of Cuers, France. The pilot initially filed an IFR flight plan but cancelled it at 17:15 near the St Tropez VOR. According to the pilot's account, he overflew the installations at Cuers at 1,500 feet and began an aerodrome circuit via the north for runway 11. He reported being visual with the ground and noted the presence of snow showers, which he considered acceptable to continue the approach.
Sequence of Events
At approximately 600 feet above ground level, the pilot entered a snow shower. By 400 feet, he observed that horizontal visibility had become zero and he had lost all external visual references. He attempted to execute a go-around but did not feel any increase in engine power. At about 200 feet, he realized he was positioned to the right of the runway and decided to perform an emergency landing. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground on the right side of the runway, slid for 150 meters, and swung around before coming to a stop.
Occupants and Damage
All three occupants on board escaped with minor injuries. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Official Probable Cause
The accident was linked to the pilot's decision to continue his approach under VFR, even though the meteorological conditions made it impossible. Coming out of an area of thick snowfall at 200 feet, he was unable to control the bank angle or the flight path of the airplane. The investigation was unable to determine if this bank angle was linked to inadequate control during an attempt to go around without external visual references or a late attempt to reach the center of the runway. Overconfidence in his abilities to pass through a snow shower, as well as a determination to land, may have contributed to the accident.