Fatal training accident at Lille-Lesquin Airport

2 fatalities • Lille-Lesquin, France • Landing (descent or approach)

A training flight involving two pilots ended in a fatal runway crash during touch-and-go maneuvers at Lille-Lesquin Airport.

What happened

During a local training session conducted at Lille-Lesquin Airport, the crew was performing a series of touch-and-go maneuvers. As the aircraft was on its final approach and nearing the point of touchdown, it suddenly became uncontrollable. The plane struck the runway, resulting in an accident that caused the aircraft to be destroyed beyond repair. There were two fatalities among the crew, consisting of the instructor and a student pilot.

Findings

Investigations into the crash revealed that the accident was triggered when one propeller entered reverse pitch mode immediately before the aircraft reached the runway. This unexpected mechanical change caused a sudden loss of airspeed and altitude, making it impossible for the crew to maintain control of the flight path.

Probable cause

The aircraft lost necessary speed and altitude because one propeller transitioned into reverse mode shortly before touchdown.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1980-04-16 Swearingen SA226T Merlin III accident near Lille-Lesquin, France?

A training flight involving two pilots ended in a fatal runway crash during touch-and-go maneuvers at Lille-Lesquin Airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 1980-04-16 Swearingen SA226T Merlin III accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1980-04-16 involved a Swearingen SA226T Merlin III, registration CF-03, operated by Belgian Air Force - Force Aérienne Belge - Belgische Luchtmacht, at Lille-Lesquin, France.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft lost necessary speed and altitude because one propeller transitioned into reverse mode shortly before touchdown.

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