What happened
On August 28, 2015, a Robin DR250-160 with registration F-BMZX was completing a ferry flight as a passenger. Upon returning to the Chavenay-Villepreux aerodrome, the pilot joined the traffic pattern for a landing on runway 23.
After the main gear and tailwheel made contact with the runway, the pilot maintained back pressure on the control column and applied the manual brakes. During the deceleration, the aircraft drifted to the left. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation using the rudder, but the aircraft continued its leftward trajectory, striking a runway 05-20/23 sign with the left wing. This impact caused the aircraft to pivot sharply, resulting in a ground loop that ended with the aircraft resting on its three wheels. The aircraft sustained heavy damage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's recent flight history and the aircraft's performance during the landing roll. Data from the pilot's GPS navigation software indicated a stable approach at 65 knots, with the touchdown occurring at 56 knots. The application of brakes likely began when the aircraft had slowed to approximately 30 knots.
Investigators noted two grooves in the ground that suggested the propeller may have struck the surface near a broken runway marker. It was determined that the tailwheel may have lifted during the rollout, potentially due to an unintentional forward movement of the control stick. The investigation also considered the pilot's recent experience, noting that the pilot had performed all previous flights in tricycle-gear aircraft and had been advised by a club instructor that the heavier DR250 required more runway length during landings in low-wind conditions.