History of the Flight
On 14 May 2020, a SOCATA TB10 (registration F-GBHS) operated by Trimaille Aéro Formation departed from Toussus-Le-Noble aerodrome at 10:00 for a round-trip instructional flight to Pontoise aerodrome. The student-pilot and instructor were on board. Engine tests before departure were satisfactory. At Pontoise, the student-pilot landed and returned to the holding point without stopping the engine; the instructor switched to the other fuel tank during taxi. After repeated engine tests at the holding point, the return flight to Toussus-Le-Noble commenced.
During the return, the student-pilot was cleared to join a long final for runway 07L. Approximately 4 NM from the runway, the student-pilot configured the aircraft for approach: flaps extended to 10°, fuel pump activated, external lights on, carburettor heating on, and mixture set to full rich. On final, flaps were extended to 25°. Overhead the ILS Localizer antennas (about 560 m before the threshold), the instructor noted the speed was low. The student-pilot advanced the throttle, but the engine did not respond; pushing the throttle to full resulted in an engine shutdown. The instructor took control at an estimated height of 100 ft. He verified the fuel pump, carburettor heating, and mixture settings but did not change fuel tanks due to time constraints. He adopted a slight nose-down attitude, briefly considered retracting flaps but did not. He declared a Mayday, stating they were landing at the end of the strip.
During the flare, the stall warning activated. The aircraft struck the ground before the runway threshold, continued across grass onto the runway, and sustained substantial damage: the engine partially separated and the nose landing gear ruptured. After stopping, the instructor shut down the battery and alternator, closed the fuel selector, and reduced throttle. Both occupants evacuated unharmed and awaited emergency services.
Additional Information
Meteorological Conditions
At 09:30 UTC (local time around 11:30), the METAR for Toussus-Le-Noble reported wind 14 kt variable between 010° and 080°, few clouds at 4,100 ft, temperature 11°C, dew point 01°C.
Engine Examination
Fuel was present in tanks and system. The engine rotated freely and showed no pre-accident damage that could cause power loss. Post-accident damage prevented bench testing. Accessories examined by an ENAC maintenance workshop had only minor adjustment faults in the double magneto and carburettor, which could not explain the shutdown or significant power loss.
Pilot Information
- Student-pilot: 24 years old, 43 hours on TB10, authorized for solo flight.
- Instructor: 23 years old, held CPL(A) with restricted instructor rating, approximately 400 total flight hours including 150 on TB20/TB200 and three flights on TB10.
Both pilots reported no confusion during control transfer.
Conclusions
On final approach after a cross-country flight, the student-pilot experienced an engine shutdown. The instructor took over but insufficient height prevented speed increase. The aircraft stalled during flare and struck the ground before the runway. Engine examination could not determine the cause of the shutdown.