What happened
On May 28, 2016, a Jodel DR1050 Ambassadeur, registration F-BKIJ, was conducting a general aviation flight from Lens to Abbeville. Upon arrival, the pilot performed a reconnaissance of the airfield, noting visibility of approximately 5 km and winds from 050° at 5 to 10 knots. While integrating into the traffic pattern, the pilot observed another aircraft on final approach for runway 02. Believing the separation between the two aircraft was insufficient, the pilot elected to extend the pattern.
During the subsequent approach, the pilot momentarily lost sight of the runway. Upon reacquiring the runway, the aircraft was positioned to the left of the centerline. The pilot proceeded with the landing, but the aircraft bounced upon touchdown. In an attempt to maintain control, the pilot slightly increased power. As the aircraft made secondary contact with the ground, it began to zigzag across the runway. Despite the pilot's efforts to use the rudder and control column to counteract the windward drift, the aircraft entered a sharp right turn. This maneuver caused the left landing gear leg to break, while the right leg was deformed and the propeller blade sustained damage. The aircraft sustained heavy damage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of control and the structural failure of the landing gear. Investigators reviewed the pilot's flight experience, noting a total of approximately 200 flight hours, with 33 hours on this specific type. The investigation also examined the approach stability and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident.