What happened
On June 13, 2013, a Robin DR400-140, registration F-GAHV, was conducting a general aviation flight from Chambéry Challes-les-eaux to Romans - Saint-Paul. Upon approaching the destination, the pilot noted variable winds via the windsock and elected to land on runway 06, which was the preferred runway. During the final approach, the pilot estimated a tailwind component of approximately 5 knots but proceeded with the landing.
The aircraft touched down approximately 150 to 200 meters before the end of the unpaved runway. The aircraft subsequently exited the runway longitudinally and came to a stop in a ditch, roughly 1 meter deep, located 70 meters beyond the runway threshold. The aircraft sustained heavy damage, but there were no fatalities among the pilot and two passengers.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight conditions and the pilot's approach. The pilot reported being slightly high on the glide path and encountering an updraft, which caused the aircraft to lift slightly during the flare. A passenger, who held an instructor rating, believed the pilot could have stopped the aircraft before the end of the runway.
According to the aircraft's flight manual, the required landing distance for the day's temperature and weight, assuming zero wind on the unpaved surface, was 610 meters. However, meteorological data from Météo France indicated significant wind conditions, with southwesterly winds between 15 and 30 knots. The pilot had 356 total flight hours, with 138 hours on this type.
Findings
- An incorrect estimation of the wind's direction and strength led to an inappropriate runway selection.
- The decision to continue the landing following an excessively long approach was a primary factor.
- The presence of a tailwind significantly increases landing distance; for every 2 knots of tailwind, the required distance increases by approximately 10%.