What happened
On August 23, 2002, a Cessna C 310 R, registration N920RP, was conducting an IFR flight from Biggin Hill, United Kingdom, to La Mole, France. After a flight of approximately four hours, the pilot attempted an improvised approach to runway 24. The aircraft touched down near the middle of the runway at a speed significantly exceeding the recommended 100 kt.
Despite applying brakes, the pilot was unable to control the aircraft's deceleration. The plane continued down the runway, eventually exiting the pavement. The pilot attempted to use an embankment at the end of the runway to stop the aircraft, but the plane struck a levee, which lifted the aircraft before it crashed into a nearby river. The impact caused heavy damage to the forward fuselage and cockpit.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's approach procedures, the meteorological conditions, and the airfield's operational characteristics. Investigators found that the pilot bypassed the planned holding pattern at the STP VOR, opting to turn directly toward the airfield to save time. This maneuver resulted in a high descent rate and a significant tailwind component of approximately 14 kt.
Analysis of the aircraft's configuration showed that while the landing gear and 15° of flaps were extended, the pilot had not reached the full 35° flap setting. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the pilot did not confirm wind information received from the AFIS agent and did not utilize the PAPI, which could have alerted him to the excessive glide slope. The investigation also identified that the levee, which acted as an obstacle, was not present on the available approach charts.
Findings
- The primary cause was the pilot's decision to execute an unstabilized approach with excessive speed and a steep descent angle.
- A significant tailwind component contributed to the high ground speed and difficulty in decelerating.
- The selection of runway 24 for landing, while common for commercial interests, placed the aircraft in a disadvantageous wind direction.
- The presence of an unmapped levee at the runway end acted as an aggravating factor, causing the aircraft to lift and crash into the river.
- Inconsistencies in the pilot's understanding of operational requirements and the lack of clear information regarding the airfield's wind limitations contributed to the accident.