What happened
On June 3, 2010, a Jodel D119, registration F-PTXR, departed from Annecy Meythet aerodrome for a series of circuit training maneuvers on runway 04. During the fourth circuit, the instructor notified air traffic control that the student pilot was preparing for a full landing.
As the aircraft aligned with the final approach, the controller observed the plane enter a significant nose-down pitch. The aircraft then veered to the left and continued its descent for approximately ten seconds before striking trees roughly 1,200 meters from the runway threshold. No distress signals were transmitted by the crew prior to the impact. At the time of the deviation, the aircraft was flying at an altitude of approximately 500 feet.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical condition of the aircraft and the physiological state of the crew. Examination of the wreckage confirmed that the engine was delivering power at the moment of impact, and no technical malfunctions capable of causing the accident were identified. Medical examinations of the crew members revealed no health issues that could have impaired their flying abilities.
Investigators also reviewed the flight experience of the crew. The student pilot was undergoing training and had recently requested a session in this specific aircraft type. The instructor, while experienced in total flight hours, had very limited experience on the Jodel D119, with only six hours on type. Notably, the instructor had previously aborted a different flight session earlier that day because the wind conditions were deemed too turbulent.
Findings
At the time of the accident, meteorological conditions included a north wind of 10 knots with gusts reaching 23 knots. The investigation established that the loss of control was likely caused by the crew's failure to monitor airspeed.
It is believed that a sudden wind gust triggered a stall, resulting in the aircraft's sudden nose-down pitch and subsequent deviation from the flight path. The presence of turbulent atmospheric conditions and the instructor's limited experience with the aircraft type were identified as contributing factors to the accident. The accident resulted in two fatalities and the destruction of the aircraft.