What happened
On November 16, 2019, a Robin DR400-120, registration F-GCAO, was performing a navigation flight originating from Saint Dié - Remomeix. The flight plan included a touch-and-go at Lunéville - Croismare, followed by a stop at Épinal - Dogneville.
Upon arriving at Épinal - Dogneville, the pilot integrated directly into the right-hand downwind circuit for runway 20, which was being used by other aircraft. The pilot intended to perform a touch-and-go, choosing a touchdown point very close to the threshold. During the flare, the right wing of the aircraft struck a sign marking holding point D, located in the grass area between runway 2 and taxiway P. The impact caused significant damage to the right wing, including destruction of the central spar and damage to the aileron control cables. The pilot was able to complete the landing and taxi the aircraft to the parking area.
The investigation
The BEA investigation focused on the pilot's approach and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation established that the pilot, an experienced flyer with approximately 680 total hours, was flying directly toward the sun, which was positioned at an azimuth of 206° and only 19° above the horizon.
Investigators examined the pilot's visual state, noting a history of cataract surgery with intraocular lens implants. The investigation also analyzed the airfield layout, noting that the grass runway and taxiway lacked high-contrast markings, and that the pilot had bypassed a standard overhead pass which would have allowed for better recognition of airfield installations.
Findings
Several factors contributed to the aircraft striking the sign:
- Sun glare during the final approach and flare, which compromised the pilot's ability to maintain visual references to the runway limits.
- The lack of distinct contrast between the grass runway and the adjacent taxiway.
- The pilot's visual characteristics, including the effects of age-related vision changes and the use of high-category sunglasses, which can reduce light intake and degrade visual performance.
- A failure to perform a reconnaissance pass over the airfield installations, which would have identified the location of the taxiway and the holding point sign.