What happened
On December 28, 2022, a Socata TB2-TC Trinidad, registration N229GC, was conducting a cost-shared flight from Cannes to the Barcelonnette - Saint-Pons aerodrome. The flight, carrying the pilot and three passengers, arrived at the aerodrome via the Col d’Allos mountain pass.
During the approach to runway 27, the aircraft followed an excessively steep descent path. The aircraft arrived on short final with an indicated airspeed of approximately 110 kt, which was significantly higher than the recommended landing speed. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced three times. To avoid a runway overrun caused by a snowdrift at the opposite threshold, the pilot initiated a rejected landing. During the subsequent go-around, the landing gear struck the snowdrift, causing the aircraft to lose control. The plane veered left of the runway centerline, collided with vegetation, and caught fire. The accident resulted in one fatality and three severe injuries.
The investigation
The investigation utilized radar data from Cannes, video analysis from passenger and witness recordings, and examination of the wreckage. Analysis of the video footage revealed that the aircraft's approach slope was approximately 16%, far exceeding the standard 5% recommended for the area. Furthermore, the aircraft's speed on final was roughly 35 kt above the recommended landing speed.
Investigators examined the runway surface, noting tire marks consistent with braking on the pavement and impact marks on a 50 cm mound of snow at the end of the runway. The wreckage, located 150 m from the runway, showed that the aircraft had uprooted trees before the fire destroyed most of the airframe. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience and the flight's organization via a flight-sharing platform.