Investigation Summary
The aircraft arrived at Besançon at 22:15 local time from Lyon. After boarding two surgeons who were en route to Amiens for a liver harvesting (organ retrieval) mission, the pilot prepared for departure. The pilot elected to take off from runway 23 in calm wind conditions. The aircraft taxied approximately 950 meters, which was significantly longer than the theoretical 450 meters required for rotation. After lifting off, the aircraft achieved a very shallow climb gradient and struck treetops located 250 meters past the runway threshold. It continued through the woods for 170 meters before crashing and bursting into flames. The investigation noted that the pilot was unfamiliar with the airfield and was operating in significant darkness. Examination of the wreckage revealed asymmetrical flap positions, though investigators believe this was a result of impact damage rather than a pre-existing mechanical failure. The absence of a Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) limited the ability to determine the exact nature of the coordination between the pilot and the Flowair agent seated in the right-hand seat, who was a professional pilot but not qualified on the C90B.
Final Conclusions
The BEA determined that the accident was caused by a loss of control during the takeoff phase, characterized by an abnormally long ground roll and a shallow climb that failed to clear obstacles. While the lack of flight recorders prevented a definitive reconstruction, the investigation identified two primary scenarios: a lack of control due to an incorrect elevator trim setting or pilot distraction, or an inappropriate decision to prioritize speed over climb gradient in a noise-abatement or obstacle-rich environment. Contributing factors included the pilot's relative inexperience on the King Air, the darkness of the night, the specific pressures of medical transport, and the presence of a second pilot whose role was not defined in the operations manual, leading to a lack of clear task distribution.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
Captain
Aged 48 at the time of the accident.
Flowair Aviation Agent
Seated in the right-hand seat; a professional pilot not qualified on the Beech 90.
Systems & Failure Modes
Flap System
Wreckage analysis showed the left flaps retracted and right flaps partially or fully extended; investigators concluded this asymmetry likely resulted from impact-induced hydraulic failure and electrical short circuits.
Elevator Trim
Investigators could not precisely determine the trim tab positions from the wreckage, leaving open the possibility of an incorrect setting affecting the takeoff profile.
Interesting Facts
- 01The flight was a non-scheduled medical charter transporting surgeons for an organ retrieval.
- 02The pilot had never landed at Besançon-La Vèze Airport prior to this mission.
- 03The aircraft was not equipped with a flight data recorder or cockpit voice recorder.
- 04Both engines were found to be producing power at the time of the final impact.
- 05The weather at the time of the accident was Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) with calm winds.
Location
APPROXIMATE POSITION · AIRPORT LEVEL · Coordinates are the estimate published in the entered by an editor. The ring shows the accuracy the record supports, not the point of impact.