What happened
On October 26, 2002, a Pilatus PC 12-45, registration HB-FOP, was performing training maneuvers at Saint-Barthélemy aerodrome to obtain airfield authorization. The flight was operated by Translem and carried a pilot and an instructor.
After completing a circuit and landing on runway 10, the aircraft departed and turned to land on runway 28. During the approach, the pilot deployed the landing gear and set the flaps to 15°. Upon selecting 40° flaps, an overspeed alarm sounded, as the aircraft's speed exceeded the 130-knot limit for that flap setting. Despite the high speed, the pilot continued the approach, attempting to correct the glide path through turns.
The aircraft touched down mid-runway with excessive ground speed. The pilot applied the brakes and reverse thrust, but the aircraft drifted left, causing the left main gear to leave the runway. The aircraft subsequently exited the runway at the end of the strip, coming to rest against an embankment. Both crew members sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the approach stability, the aircraft's performance, and the mechanical state of the flap system. Investigators examined the Flap Control and Warning Unit (FCWU) memory, which revealed an electrical overload that tripped a 1-amp circuit breaker.
While there were concerns regarding the flap mechanism, analysis by the manufacturer and post-accident testing showed the flaps were functional. The investigation also looked into the instructor's role; although present, the instructor did not hold the specific type rating for the PC 12, meaning they could not take control of the aircraft or provide direct supervision of the flight controls.
Findings
- The primary cause was the decision to continue an unstabilized approach despite the high airspeed and the fact that a go-around was prohibited on short final for runway 28.
- A significant tailwind contributed to high ground speeds and a steep approach angle.
- The pilot's excessive confidence in the aircraft's ability to decelerate contributed to the failure to abort the landing.
- The aircraft's landing gear and fuselage sustained heavy damage, including a broken nose gear and damaged wings.