What happened
On September 27, 2023, a student pilot performing her first supervised solo flight at Montpellier-Méditerranée airport experienced a series of unsuccessful landing attempts in a Diamond DA40, registration F-HDGB. After completing several runway circuits with an instructor, the student pilot took off alone for a solo circuit.
During the initial approach to runway 1el, the pilot rejected the landing because the aircraft was too high. This was followed by two subsequent rejected landings due to the aircraft bouncing on the runway. During a fourth attempt on runway 12L, the pilot initiated an early flare, causing the aircraft to bounce. This resulted in the nose gear striking the runway first, causing visible damage and smoke. The pilot subsequently rejected the landing and requested assistance.
An instructor flying a Diamond DA42, registration F-HDGQ, joined the student pilot in the air to provide guidance. Following specific verbal instructions from the instructor regarding approach slope, airspeed, and flare technique, the student pilot attempted a fifth landing. However, upon touchdown, the nose gear wheel separated from the aircraft, causing the plane to slide along the runway before coming to a halt. There were no fatalities and no injuries reported.
The investigation
The BEA examined the flight sequences, radio communications, and the training history of the student pilot. The investigation reviewed the student's recent training records, noting a previous incident three weeks prior where the aircraft's tail had contacted the runway during a landing. The investigation also looked into the role of the instructor in the Diamond DA42 and the air traffic controller's instructions during the emergency.