What happened
On August 2, 2015, a Brändli BX-2 Cherry, registration F-PRLC, was conducting a private flight from Lesparre-Saint-Laurent-du-Médoc to Marennes. During the approach to runway 04, the aircraft was observed on a long final with a high airspeed and a steep descent angle. The pilot performed a direct approach without flying over the aerodrome installations, which prevented an assessment of the wind conditions.
The aircraft touched down mid-runway and bounced three times. After the speed decreased significantly, the pilot initiated a go-around. During this maneuver, the aircraft's trajectory drifted to the left, and the pilot applied a high pitch attitude. While the engine was producing power, the aircraft veered left and then banked sharply to the right. The aircraft struck the treetops located beyond the runway end, overturned, and crashed into the ground.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the approach characteristics, the aerodrome environment, and the aircraft's flight path. Investigators noted that the Marennes aerodrome features a non-paved runway of 770 x 50 meters, with a displaced threshold on runway 04 that reduces the available landing distance to 655 meters.
While the aerodrome's visual charts (VAC) indicated the presence of trees penetrating the obstacle clearance surfaces, recent surveys suggested that certain obstacles near the runway axis were not accurately reflected in the aeronautical documentation. The investigation also examined the pilot's experience and the aircraft's wreckage, noting the landing gear was extended and the flaps were set to the first notch.