Loss of altitude and speed during descent of Pilatus PC12-47E

Casualties unknown • 19 Corrèze France, CH

A Luxembourg-registered Pilatus PC12-47E experienced an abrupt loss of altitude and airspeed during its approach to Brive – Souillac.

What happened

On 20 October 2021, at approximately 19:00 local time, a Pilatus PC12-47E, registered as LX-JFX, was conducting a commercial flight under IFR conditions. The aircraft, operated by JetFly Aviation S.A. Luxembourg, was en route from Airfield Dieppe - St Aubin in France toward Airfield Brive – Souillac.

While the aircraft was performing its descent for the approach, it experienced a sudden and unexpected loss of both altitude and airspeed. This occurred during an abrupt manual maneuver performed by the crew. Despite the instability during the descent, the aircraft sustained no damage.

The investigation

The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) notified the relevant authorities regarding the incident, which took place in French airspace. Because the occurrence took place in France, the French Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses pour la sécurité de l'aviation civile (BEA) has taken responsibility for the investigation into the circumstances of the flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced an abrupt loss of altitude and speed triggered by a manual maneuver during the approach phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2021-10-20 PILATUS Fixed Wing Pilatus PC12-47E accident near 19 Corrèze France, CH?

A Luxembourg-registered Pilatus PC12-47E experienced an abrupt loss of altitude and airspeed during its approach to Brive – Souillac.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2021-10-20 involved a PILATUS Fixed Wing Pilatus PC12-47E, registration LX-JFX, at 19 Corrèze France, CH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced an abrupt loss of altitude and speed triggered by a manual maneuver during the approach phase.

Loading the flight search…