What happened
On March 5, 2016, a Tecnam P2010, registration F-HBYC, was performing solo circuit training at the Saint-Etienne Bouthéon aerodrome. The pilot, who was undergoing type rating training, was conducting the second of two planned solo circuits.
During the approach, the pilot maintained alignment with the runway centerline by compensating for a crosswind. The PAPI indicated a slightly steep approach slope. Upon attempting the flare, the pilot used the rudder to realign the aircraft with the runway axis. The initial touchdown was heavy, leading to two subsequent bounces. During the final contact with the runway, the nose landing gear strut failed. This caused the aircraft to veer left, exiting the paved surface and coming to a stop in the grass approximately five meters from the runway edge. The aircraft sustained damage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of the landing and the mechanical failure of the landing gear. Investigators reviewed the pilot's flight experience, noting that while the pilot held a PPL(A) and had 120 total flight hours, they had only completed three dual-instruction flights in the Tecnam P2010 prior to the accident, including one flight on the day of the event. Meteorological data from the ATIS and tower controller confirmed a crosswind component from 220°/240° at 10 knots.
Findings
- The primary cause of the gear failure was the structural failure of the nose landing gear leg following repeated impacts with the runway.
- The pilot's landing technique involved a heavy initial touchdown followed by two bounces.
- The pilot acknowledged that a go-around should have been initiated following the first bounce.