What happened
On May 4, 2009, a Socata TB9 Tampico, registration F-GSZX, departed Berre-la-Farre for Vichy under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). During the flight, the pilot encountered significant cloud cover near Jeansagnière. Radar data indicates that at approximately 09:12 UTC, the aircraft experienced a sudden drop in altitude from 8,500 feet, followed by a brief recovery. The pilot then radioed the Clermont-Ferrand Information controller, stating that the aircraft was in a spin. Shortly after, the pilot reported, "I am crashing," before radar contact was lost. The aircraft struck the ground at an altitude of 4,470 feet in a left-hand spin, resulting in two fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The BEA examined the wreckage, radar data, and radio communications. The investigation established that the aircraft hit the ground with a high vertical velocity and a steep nose-down attitude. Analysis of the engine's spectral data from radio transmissions confirmed the engine was operating at 2,460 RPM prior to the impact. The investigation also recovered a stall warning alarm from the final radio transmission. Meteorological analysis revealed the presence of multiple cloud layers, including cumulus and stratocumulus, with a risk of airframe icing due to high humidity and freezing temperatures at altitude. The pilot had consulted weather information via the Olivia website prior to departure, but the investigation noted that certain significant weather charts (TEMSI) were not yet available for the time of takeoff.
Findings
- The pilot decided to continue the flight despite weather forecasts indicating reduced visibility and rain.
- The pilot encountered cloud layers that were incompatible with VFR flight.
- The pilot likely underestimated the risks of flying in degraded meteorological conditions, potentially due to professional experience in helicopters which often involves flying in marginal conditions with qualified crews.
- The aircraft was likely subject to airframe icing, which may have further degraded performance at altitude.
- The pilot'1s attempt to climb through the clouds without adequate instrument training made recovering from the spin impossible once visual references were lost.