Solo student pilot loses control of APM 20 Lionceau during landing rollout

Casualties unknown • revêtue, FR

A student pilot's first solo flight ended in a runway excursion at Marmande-Virazeil after failing to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

What happened

On August 22, 2014, a student pilot was conducting a solo flight in an APM 20 Lionceau, registration F-GRRL, at the Marmande-Virazeil airfield. After completing several circuits with an instructor, the student departed on runway 29 for their first solo flight. During the approach, the pilot observed another aircraft on the runway threshold and performed a go-around.

Upon the second approach, the aircraft touched down approximately 250 meters from the threshold. During the subsequent landing roll, the aircraft veered to the left, traveling roughly 50 meters before exiting the paved surface. The aircraft came to a stop in a drainage ditch located 5 and 50 meters from the runway centerline. The impact with the edge of the ditch caused the nose gear to collapse, resulting in damage to the aircraft.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the pilot's control of the aircraft and the mechanical state of the APM 20 Lionceau. The student pilot, who had approximately 15 total flight hours, reported that the aircraft began to veer left without the ability to correct the movement using the rudder pedals. The pilot noted that they did not apply the brakes due to a fear of the aircraft tipping backward, and that their hand remained fixed on the throttle in the reduced power position.

An instructor, who was supervising from the airfield, observed that while the flare was performed correctly, the pilot appeared not to be using the brakes. The instructor also noted that the rudder pedals on this specific aircraft type are highly sensitive, a factor that requires significant attention during training.

Technical examination of the aircraft revealed no prior malfunctions in the braking system or the rudder control linkage. The drainage ditch where the aircraft came to rest was found to be in compliance with standard airfield technical requirements.

Findings

  • The loss of directional control was caused by inappropriate control inputs during the landing roll.
  • The pilot's limited experience with this specific aircraft type contributed to the excursion.
  • The stress resulting from the preceding go-around acted as a contributing factor.
  • The pilot's decision not to utilize the manual braking system prevented the aircraft from being stopped before exiting the runway.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the accident was inappropriate flight control inputs during the landing roll, exacerbated by the pilot's lack of experience with the aircraft's sensitive rudder controls and the stress of a previous go-around.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-08-22 APM 20 Lionceau accident near revêtue, FR?

A student pilot's first solo flight ended in a runway excursion at Marmande-Virazeil after failing to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-08-22 involved a APM 20 Lionceau, registration F-GRRL, at revêtue, FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the accident was inappropriate flight control inputs during the landing roll, exacerbated by the pilot's lack of experience with the aircraft's sensitive rudder controls and the stress of a previous go-around.

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