What happened
On July 3, 2014, a Socata TB20 Trinidad, registered F-GKVO, was performing a local flight from Toussus-le-Noble accompanied by two passengers. During the takeoff roll on runway 25R, the pilot was unable to achieve rotation and decided to abort the takeoff.
In an attempt to avoid the localizer antennas, the pilot steered the aircraft to the left toward taxiway W. During this maneuver, the aircraft exited the runway and struck an electrical power supply box located near the end of the runway. The impact punctured the aircraft's fuel tank, causing fuel to spill and ignite along the aircraft's path. The aircraft came to a stop after traveling 250 meters. The resulting fire spread to the left wing, causing heavy damage to the airframe. All three occupants successfully evacuated the aircraft through the right-side door before the fire was extinguished by emergency services.
The investigation
The BEA examined the aircraft's systems, the pilot's procedures, and the airfield configuration. Investigators found that the pilot had performed autopilot tests before the gyroscopes had reached their required operational speeds. Additionally, the investigation noted that the pilot was using personalized checklists rather than the manufacturer's specific procedures.
Regarding the airfield, the investigation revealed that the pilot was unaware of the existence of the runway overrun area (stopway) at the end of runway 25R. The pilot also relied on experience from multi-engine aircraft, where stopping distances are typically longer, and had not performed similar high-speed aborted takeoff exercises in the Socata TB20.
Findings
- The primary cause of the runway excursion was the pilot's decision to turn toward taxiway W following the aborted takeoff.
- The pilot likely overestimated the remaining distance available to stop the aircraft.
- The use of personalized checklists that omitted the verification of the elevator trim position contributed to the event; the trim was found in a full-nose-down position.
- Testing the autopilot before the vacuum system had stabilized the gyroscopes likely caused the autopilot to command incorrect trim movements.
- The collision with the electrical box, while designed to be frangible, was sufficient to rupture the fuel tank and initiate the fire.