What happened
On November 7, 1965, a Morane-Saulnier 892 Rallye Commodore, registration F-BMVH, was conducting a private flight from Dijon, France, with the intention of reaching Strasbourg via Belfort. During the flight, an approaching storm front forced the pilot to deviate significantly from the planned route. As the pilot attempted to avoid the advancing weather system, the aircraft drifted south, and the pilot lost navigational orientation.
While navigating the difficult conditions, the pilot observed a highway and mistakenly believed the aircraft was over Germany. As dusk approached, the pilot decided to perform an immediate landing in a field near Derendingen, Switzerland. Upon touchdown, the aircraft traveled approximately 100 meters before the nose wheel was torn from the landing gear at the edge of a plowed field. The aircraft subsequently pitched forward, resulting in damage to the propeller, engine cowling, and carburetor.
The investigation
The investigation examined the meteorological conditions, the flight path, and the pilot's decision-making process. Investigators noted that a storm front was moving eastward across the region, creating challenging flying conditions. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's attempts to establish radio contact with Dijon, Colmar Approach, and Strasbourg, all of which were unsuccessful. The terrain at the landing site was evaluated, specifically the presence of a plowed field that contributed to the structural damage of the aircraft.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to perform an emergency landing due to the loss of orientation and the onset of darkness was considered appropriate.
- The presence of low-level stratus clouds (between 200 and 400 meters) likely prevented the pilot from identifying landmarks such as Lake Biel.
- The primary cause of the aircraft damage was that the pilot failed to notice the uneven surface of the plowed field during the low-altitude approach.
- All four occupants—the pilot and three family members—remained unharmed during the incident.