Zone

Crash of a Piper PA-46-310P Malibu in Berdoues

Date & Time: Jun 1, 2008 at 1700 LT
Operator:
Registration:
F-GJHZ
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Berdoues - Berdoues
Location:
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
3180
Captain / Total hours on type:
31.00
Circumstances:
The pilot, owner of the airplane and manager of the Berdoues Aerodrome, offered a first flight to five people with whom he enjoyed the day and lunch. Arriving at the airport, he spotted a large cumulonimbus to the west of the airport, approaching the runway. He thought he was able to perform the flight before weather conditions would deteriorate and decided to complete a flapless takeoff as usual. While taxiing to the runway and passing in front of the windsock, he realized the wind was from the south at 30 knots. He completed engine test on the runway 08 threshold then started the takeoff procedure. Just prior to rotation, while passing again in front of the windsock, he realized the wind changed and was now from the tail with the same speed. As it was too late to abandon the takeoff procedure, he decided to continue. The single engine airplane took off but encountered difficulties to gain height. It descended, struck a grassy area located past the runway end then struck small trees located 200 meters further. On impact, it lost its undercarriage and its left wing before coming to rest in a pasture located 300 meters from the runway end. All six occupants escaped with minor injuries while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
It was determined that the pilot failed to take into consideration weather conditions prior to the flight after his judgment and capabilities were impaired due to alcohol consumption. An hour and 15 minutes after the accident, a blood test revealed a blood alcohol level of 0,98‰. Investigations reported that according to wind and weather conditions, a distance of 1,300 meters was necessary for takeoff while the runway 08 is 780 meters long.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-46-310P Malibu in Berdoues

Date & Time: Oct 10, 1997 at 1900 LT
Operator:
Registration:
F-GKJA
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
46-8508103
YOM:
1985
Location:
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
2403
Captain / Total hours on type:
908.00
Circumstances:
Following a three hours IFR flight, the pilot, also owner of the aerodrome, made a left hand visual circuit at an altitude of 600 feet for runway 26. On final with flaps down two notches, the right side of the airframe and the wing root struck the top of a tree about 80 metres from the runway threshold and 30 metres to the right of its extended centerline. The aircraft struck the ground hard, went out of control and came to rest in a grassy area parallel to the runway. All five occupants evacuated safely while the aircraft was destroyed.
Probable cause:
The pilot indicated to investigators that in order to avoid flying over a grove to the left and upstream of the threshold of runway 26, he used to make the final at a heading of 245°/250° and to the right of the approach path. On the day of the accident, by the time the airplane collided with trees, he had lost visual contact with the runway while his speed was low and the pitch attitude was too high. He thinks he had a somewhat late reaction, probably due to week end fatigue.