What happened
On 3 April 2016, a student pilot was conducting a solo training flight at Rennes Saint-Jacques aerodrome. The flight, part of a circuit training session, involved a Robin DR400-120 registered F-HGUY.
During the final approach on runway 10, the pilot configured the aircraft with flaps in the takeoff position to account for anticipated wind and turbulence. The pilot maintained an approach speed of 140 km/h. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced. During the subsequent second contact with the runway, the nose landing gear bent under the fuselage, followed by a failure of the main landing gear which caused it to pierce the wings. The aircraft slid along the runway, coming to a stop approximately 300 meters from the touchdown zone.
The investigation
The BEA examined the flight parameters, meteorological conditions, and the pilot's training status. The investigation noted that the student pilot was under time pressure to complete required solo hours before the expiration of a theoretical examination validity.
Investigators analyzed the runway characteristics, noting that runway 10 features an upward slope of approximately 1.6% following the touchdown zone. The investigation also reviewed the wind conditions, which included a headwind of approximately 9 kt and a crosswind component of 7 kt. The investigation looked into the pilot's use of takeoff flaps and the excessive approach speed relative to the actual wind conditions.