What happened
On May 31, 2019, a Cessna 172 (registration D-EFZF) was performing a cross-country flight from Dijon-Longvic to Tours Val de Loire. During the final approach to runway 20, the aircraft was on a steep approach slope. As the pilot entered the flare, a slight increase in power occurred, followed by a decision to abort the landing.
Upon the application of full power for the go-around, the aircraft experienced a significant leftward veer and a nose-up attitude. The aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude, stalled at a low height, and collided with the ground near a radar dome on the airfield grounds. The aircraft was destroyed, but the pilot and passenger escaped without injury.
The investigation
The BEA investigation utilized statements from both occupants and analyzed footage from a camera mounted on the aircraft's right wing. The video analysis confirmed the aircraft's flight path and established a timeline of the engine power changes and flap retraction. The investigation also examined the physical effects of increased engine power on single-engine aircraft, specifically the torque effect and the spiraling slipstream, which induce leftward roll and yaw.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was cockpit confusion regarding pilot authority, as both occupants believed the other was controlling the aircraft during the critical go-around phase.
- The pilot applied full power but failed to manage the resulting engine effects, such as the leftward yaw and roll caused by the clockwise-turning propeller.
- The go-around procedure was incomplete; the pilot did not properly control the flight path, and the flaps were not retracted.
- A reversed authority gradient contributed to the confusion, as the passenger (the aircraft owner) possessed more flight experience than the pilot in command.
- The lack of clear communication or a pre-defined phraseology to signal a transfer of controls prevented the crew from resolving the situation before the stall.