EASA Grounds Elixir Aircraft Fleet Following Fatal Test Flight Accident
In a significant safety measure, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive grounding all Elixir Aircraft in operation. This action comes in the wake of a fatal test flight accident that claimed two lives in western France.
The tragedy occurred on Thursday, October 1, 2026. An Elixir light aircraft, registration F-WZAG, crashed short of Runway 12 at Rochefort Charente-Maritime Airport during a planned touch-and-go exercise. The aircraft had departed from Elixir’s home base at La Rochelle. The crash resulted in the death of both occupants, identified as factory production test pilots, and the complete destruction of the aircraft.
EASA issued the Emergency Airworthiness Directive on October 2, formally suspending all Elixir flight operations from October 3 onward. The directive applies to all Elixir aircraft, regardless of serial number. The UK Civil Aviation Authority has also adopted this directive. Prior to EASA’s action, Elixir Aircraft had voluntarily issued Alert Service Bulletin ASB-633-005-R01 to ground its fleet. France’s Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA) is leading the official investigation. EASA has described the grounding as an interim measure and has warned that further Airworthiness Directive action may follow pending investigation results.
Elixir Aircraft, based in La Rochelle, is renowned for manufacturing modern composite light trainers. These aircraft are designed to be lighter and more environmentally friendly than traditional aircraft. The cause of the crash is yet to be established.
Source: Flyer.co.uk – EASA grounds Elixir fleet after fatal test flight accident