Accident Overview
On August 14, 2016, at approximately 17:30 local time, a Robin DR400 registered as F-GJQQ experienced a significant landing event at Dijon - Darois aerodrome. The aircraft was destroyed, but the pilot and two passengers evacuated without reported injury.
Flight Details
The flight originated in the morning from Dijon - Darois to Belfort - Chaux aerodrome, with a return flight later the same day. The landing was conducted on runway 02, which is a paved runway with dimensions 750 meters by 20 meters and a landing distance available of 750 meters.
Meteorological Information
Dijon - Darois aerodrome is not equipped with meteorological instruments. The nearest automated METAR from Dijon - Longvic (LFSD), located 9 nautical miles southeast, reported at 17:30: CAVOK, variable wind at 5 knots, and temperature 31°C.
Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 17, held a private pilot license since June 10, 2016. At the time of the event, he had accumulated 54 total flight hours, of which 52 were on the Robin DR400 type.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that the approach was stabilized. During the flare, he attempted a progressive nose-up attitude. He felt the main landing gear touch down, followed by the nose gear. Immediately after, the nose of the aircraft lifted while he maintained back pressure on the control stick. The nose gear then bounced a second time, and the pilot sensed the main gear lift off before returning to the ground. He attempted a go-around but felt a third bounce and concluded the go-around was not effective. During the descent phase of the bounce, he reduced engine power out of concern that the propeller might strike the ground violently and detach. He continued holding the stick back. After a fourth bounce, the nose landing gear fractured, and the aircraft veered to the left off the runway, sliding on its nose before coming to a stop. After stopping, the pilot smelled fuel and a burning odor. He immediately decided to evacuate the aircraft. He experienced difficulty opening the canopy and ejected it. Simultaneously, people at the aero club shouted for a rapid evacuation, noticing the fire beginning. The pilot estimated about 75 liters of fuel remained on board at the time of landing.