What happened
On October 3, 2015, a Piper PA2SB-160, registration F-OIXM, was conducting a general aviation flight from Pointe-à-Pitre Le Raizet to the Les Saintes aerodrome in Guadeloupe. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and three passengers. Upon approaching the airfield, the pilot observed wind direction from 140-150 degrees via the windsock and elected to land on runway 09.
The pilot initially attempted a first approach but aborted the landing via a go-around because the aircraft was too high and too fast on the glidepath. During the second approach, as the aircraft reached the flare, a sudden wind gust delayed the touchdown. This resulted in a long landing that caused the aircraft to overshoot the runway longitudinally. As the aircraft left the paved surface, the nose wheel sank into sandy terrain, causing the propeller to strike the ground. The aircraft sustained heavy damage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the operational characteristics of the Les Saintes aerodrome, which is situated in a valley and features a single 544-meter paved runway (09-27) with a 2% downward slope. Due to surrounding terrain, approaches to runway 09 require a 30-degree offset. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience, noting that while the pilot held a professional license, recent experience at this specific aerodrome was limited.
Furthermore, the investigators analyzed the aircraft's performance specifications. The flight manual for the Piper PA28-160 lists a landing distance of approximately 345 meters at maximum weight under specific test conditions (no engine, 40° flaps, level dry runway, maximum braking). The investigation noted that the manual requires pilots to evaluate performance for other conditions, such as the downward slope present at this airfield.
Findings
- The primary cause of the runway excursion was the failure to initiate a go-around following a long touchdown.
- A wind gust during the flare phase delayed wheel contact with the runway.
- The pilot acknowledged that a go-around could have been performed as soon as it became apparent that the touchdown point would not allow for a safe stop within the runway limits.
- The downward slope of the runway and the sandy terrain beyond the pavement contributed to the severity of the excursion.