What happened
On August 14, 2016, a Robin DR400, registration F-GJQQ, was performing a local flight from Belfort-Chaux to Dijon-Darois. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and two passengers. During the landing on runway 02, the aircraft experienced a series of bounces.
As the pilot attempted to flare, the main gear and then the nose gear made contact with the runway. The aircraft subsequently lifted off again, and the pilot experienced a second bounce. During a subsequent attempt to apply power, a third bounce occurred. Fearing propeller strike, the pilot reduced engine power while maintaining back pressure on the control column. Following a fourth bounce, the nose gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to veer left off the runway and slide on its nose. After the aircraft came to a stop, the pilot detected the smell of fuel and burning. The crew evacuated the aircraft via the canopy just before the aircraft caught fire. The aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of the landing and the mechanical failure of the landing gear. The BEA examined the pilot's actions during the bouncing sequence and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Meteorological data from the nearby Dijon-Longvic station indicated CAVOK conditions with light, variable winds and a temperature of 31°C. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience, noting that the pilot held a private pilot license since June 2016 and had 54 total flight hours, 52 of which were on this aircraft type.