What happened
On March 11, 2017, a Robin DR400-140B, registration F-GAEX, was performing a local flight at the Tarbes Laloubère aerodrome with a pilot and two passengers. The aircraft, operated by a local flying club, departed under calm wind conditions. During the return to the airfield, the pilot joined the downwind leg for runway 08 Left. While the wind indicator suggested light winds, the aircraft encountered severe turbulence and gusts during the final approach.
Upon touchdown, the pilot applied the brakes, but the aircraft began to slide and eventually came to a stop beyond the end of the unpaved runway. The pilot reported being caught off guard by the sudden intensity of the wind variations. Following the stabilization of the aircraft's path, the pilot decided against a go-around, fearing that the loss of airspeed would lead to a stall and believing there was insufficient remaining runway distance to safely execute a second approach.
The investigation
The investigation examined the meteorological conditions and the airfield configuration. While the pilot's initial observations suggested light winds, official Météo France data indicated that the aerodrome was positioned ahead of an approaching weather system. At the time of the accident, winds at ground level were recorded between 15 and 20 knots from 280°, with gusts reaching 25 to 30 knots. At altitudes of 50 to 100 meters, winds were even stronger, reaching up to 30 knots. Additionally, weather charts had identified a zone of turbulence near Tarbes between the ground and 4,000 feet.
The investigation also noted that the north runway at Tarbes Laloubère is 825 meters long, but due to a displaced threshold caused by a nearby road, the available landing distance for runway 08 Left was limited to 680 meters.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the insufficient consideration of meteorological conditions, which resulted in the aircraft landing with a significant tailwind component.
- The aircraft sustained heavy damage during the excursion.
- There was one minor injury among the passengers.