What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2019-02-08 involved a PIPER - PA-46 - 350P, registration F-GUYZ, at Courchevel, FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The runway overrun was caused by a long landing resulting from an unstable approach and late power reduction, compounded by the pilot's lack of experience operating the specific aircraft type in a mountain airfield environment.

Runway Overrun at Courchevel Mountain Airfield

A Piper PA-46 experienced a runway overrun and collision with a snow mound at Courchevel, resulting in one passenger injury.

What happened

On 8 February 2019, a Piper PA-46-350P, registered F-GUYZ, was performing a flight from Toussus-Le-Noble to the Courchevel mountain airfield to transport three passengers for business. The flight was organized via a web platform that connects aircraft owners, pilots, and passengers.

During the approach to runway 22, the aircraft's parameters were unstable. The pilot was flying at a speed of approximately 91 knots on final approach with flaps set to the second detent. As the aircraft approached the upward-sloping section of the runway, the pilot increased power. However, the pilot reduced power too late, and the aircraft touched down approximately 270 meters from the start of the runway at a speed of 80 knots. Despite the application of heavy braking, the aircraft could not stop within the available distance, overran the runway, and collided with a mound of snow. The accident resulted in one passenger injured and damage to the aircraft.

The investigation

The BEA examined flight data from the aircraft's Garmin G1000 avionics suite and analyzed passenger-recorded videos. The investigation established that the approach was not stabilized, noting significant variations in descent rate and airspeed. The investigators also reviewed the pilot's experience, noting that while the captain had recently obtained authorization to use the Courchevel airfield, this training had been conducted in a much lighter aircraft (a Jodel D140). Furthermore, the investigation looked into the operational nature of the flight, finding that the service provided by the web platform resembled commercial air transport but lacked the required Air Operator Certificate (A/C) and regulatory oversight.

Findings

Several factors contributed to the accident:

The unstable approach and late power reduction led to a long landing.
The captain lacked sufficient experience landing the Piper PA-46 at a mountain airfield, having previously trained in a significantly different aircraft class.
The aircraft was at the limit of its maximum allowable weight for landing.
Operational pressure and stress were present due to the lack of formal operational support from a structured commercial operator.
A lack of regulatory oversight regarding web platforms connecting passengers and pilots allowed for flights that did not meet commercial safety standards to occur.