What happened
On June 29, 2014, a Reims-Cessna F150 M, registration F-BXZG, departed from Castelsarrasin-Moissac for a flight to Fumel. During the arrival at Fumel-Montayral aerodrome, the pilot entered the traffic pattern for runway 35. As the aircraft approached the runway, the pilot encountered wind gusts that caused the aircraft to lift and drift to the right during the flare. Despite these difficulties, the pilot chose to continue the landing rather than performing a go-around.
The aircraft touched down mid-runway. Realizing that the remaining paved surface was insufficient to stop the aircraft, the pilot attempted a right-hand turn to avoid the end of the runway. The aircraft veered onto the grass, traveling parallel to the runway before descending a 5-meter embankment. The impact caused the nose gear to collapse, and the aircraft pivoted on its left wing, eventually coming to rest on its propeller. The aircraft sustained heavy damage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's flight preparation, the approach stability, and the meteorological conditions. The BEA established that the pilot had not consulted the weather reports prior to departure due to earlier delays caused by electrical failures at the home club. During the flight, the pilot performed a visual reconnaissance of the airfield but did not sufficiently account for the wind conditions, which included gusts up to 18 knots.
Investigators also examined the aircraft's performance parameters. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was weighing approximately 600 kg. The investigation noted that the pilot's approach speed of 70 knots was significantly higher than the recommended range of 52 to 61 knots.
Findings
- The pilot failed to conduct adequate flight preparation, specifically neglecting to analyze the meteorological conditions before departure.
- The approach was unstabilized due to an excessive approach speed.
- The pilot's excessive back-pressure during the flare caused an unintended increase in altitude, leading to a late touchdown.
- The pilot's decision to continue the landing despite the unstable approach and wind gusts contributed to the long landing and subsequent excursion.