What happened
On 20 April 2022, a Jodel D140, registration F-BLKK, was conducting a commercial sightseeing flight in the Mont Blanc region. The aircraft, operated by Aérocime, departed from Megève mountain airfield on runway 33 and returned to land on runway 15.
During the landing roll, the aircraft began to deviate toward the right side of the runway. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation using the rudder pedals, but was unable to maintain the centerline. This resulted in a ground loop that caused the aircraft to veer off the runway. During the excursion, the left landing gear collapsed, and the lower surface of the left wing made contact with the ground. The aircraft sustained substantial damage but came to a stop adjacent to the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot or the four passengers on board.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and the site to determine the cause of the deviation. Friction marks on the runway indicated that the swerve occurred shortly after the aircraft touched down. The investigation confirmed that the left landing gear strut folded under the aircraft and was partially torn away.
Regarding the aircraft configuration, the Jodel D140 was equipped with skis, which were in the up position for the landing. The aircraft's weight and balance were within the permitted flight envelope, with the loading of four passengers and fuel in the front tank complying with the operator's manual. Meteorological data showed a northerly wind of 5 to 10 knots and visibility exceeding 10 km at the time of the incident.
Findings
- The aircraft landed on runway 15 with a tailwind.
- The pilot was unable to counteract the rightward swerve with sufficient rudder input.
- The pilot noted that a wind gust may have contributed to the loss of directional control.