What happened
On August 26, 2018, a DR40-180 aircraft, registration F-GSBZ, was performing a cross-country flight from Guéret - Saint-Laurent to Saumur - Saint-Florent. The flight was part of a group excursion involving several pilots from the Aéroclub de Granville.
During the final approach to runway 28, the pilot flew a steeper approach slope than normal, partly due to flying over the town of Saumur. During short final, a passenger suggested reducing power to decrease speed. The pilot performed a flare at approximately 130 km/h and at an excessive height. This resulted in the aircraft bouncing upon contact with the runway and banking to the right.
A passenger in the front right seat took control of the aircraft to stabilize it, but the plane subsequently deviated to the left of the runway. After traveling approximately 300 meters from the threshold, the aircraft encountered a rut in the safety area, causing the right wing to strike the ground. The aircraft then entered a spin and came to a stop in the grass, 12 meters from the runway edge. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident, though there were no fatalities among the four occupants.
The investigation
The BEA examined the wreckage, the flight path, and the pilot's credentials. The investigation noted that the pilot held a Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL(A)) with 129 total flight hours. Investigators also reviewed the meteorological conditions, which included south-southwesterly winds of 12 knots with gusts, and the aerodrome layout, noting the presence of trees in the approach area.
Findings
- The pilot likely initiated a flare that was too high and at too high a speed.
- The steep approach slope may have been caused by a lack of experience or an incorrect assessment of altitude while flying over houses and trees.
- A passenger's suggestion to reduce power during the final approach may have contributed to the improper flare.
- The loss of control and the subsequent excursion from the runway may have been caused by uncoordinated flight control inputs between the pilot and the passenger who had taken control after the initial bounce.