What happened
On August 24, 2015, a Piper PA-32R-301T Saratoga II TC, registration N4167S, was performing a private cross-country flight from Biarritz Pays Basque to Toussus-le-Noble. During the landing phase, the pilot encountered turbulent conditions and a wet runway surface.
Upon touchdown on runway 07L, the aircraft was traveling at approximately 100 knots, roughly 300 meters past the runway threshold. While attempting to decelerate, the pilot noted that braking effectiveness was poor and felt the aircraft begin to skid. To avoid hitting obstacles located at the end of the runway, and believing a right-hand turn toward taxiway E was not possible, the pilot steered the aircraft toward a prepared area to the left. This maneuver resulted in the aircraft exiting the runway laterally approximately 1,050 meters from the threshold, causing heavy damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The BEA examined the meteorological conditions, the pilot's flight preparation, and the aircraft's performance capabilities. The investigation reviewed weather reports (METAR and TAF) and aeronautical charts (WINTEM and TEMSI) available to the pilot. The investigators also reviewed the aircraft's flight manual regarding demonstrated crosswind limits and the pilot's experience and flight history.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in significant crosswind conditions, with winds measured between 33 and 37 knots from the south-southeast (180 to 200 degrees) during the landing.
- The runway surface was wet due to recent rainfall.
- The aircraft's flight manual specifies a maximum demonstrated crosswind component of 17 knots, which was significantly exceeded during the event.
- The landing was characterized by a high ground speed and a long touchdown point.
- Insufficient consideration of meteorological conditions and their impact during flight preparation, alongside a likely lack of awareness regarding the aircraft's landing performance in such conditions, contributed to the excursion.