2022 Socata TB21 Accident at Barcelonnette - Saint-Pons (N229GC)

Accident Overview and Consequences On Wednesday, 28 December 2022, a Socata TB21 TC Trinidad aeroplane registered N229GC was destroyed in a fire after colliding with vegetation at Barcelonnette - Saint-Pons aerodrome. The aircraft was operating a private cross-country flight with a pilot and three passengers on board. The front passenger was fatally injured, while the pilot and the two rear-seat passengers suffered severe injuries. ## Flight History and Approach The pilot departed from Cannes Mandelieu airport at approximately 10:20 local time, flying over Col d’Allos mountain pass before arriving at Barcelonnette from the south. The pilot had contacted the local flying club beforehand and was informed that the runway was cleared, although snow remained on the parking areas. The aircraft joined a long final for runway 27. It touched down approximately 220 metres after the displaced threshold and bounced several times. The pilot rejected the landing about ten seconds after the first touchdown. During the go-around, the pilot lost control, and the aircraft crossed the obstacle-free area at the end of the runway before entering a wooded area to the left of the runway centreline. ## Meteorological and Aerodrome Conditions At the time of the accident, estimated meteorological conditions at Barcelonnette included visibility greater than 10 km, a temperature of 0°C, clear skies, and light easterly to south-easterly winds of less than 5 kt. The aerodrome is located in the Ubaye valley at an altitude of 3,700 ft, with the highest surrounding terrain reaching 5,300 ft. Runway 09/27 measures 800 m by 30 m and has a longitudinally curved profile. The landing distance available on runway 27 was 720 m due to a displaced threshold. ## Aircraft and Performance Data N229GC was a Socata TB21 TC Trinidad equipped with a Lycoming TIO-540-AB1AD engine producing 250 hp. Its serial number was 871, and its maximum landing weight was 1,335 kg. The estimated landing weight at the time of the accident was approximately 1,390 kg. Based on the flight manual, the estimated landing distance under the prevailing conditions was approximately 585 m, with a landing run distance of approximately 275 m. ## Investigation Findings Video analysis indicated that the aircraft’s average ground slope on final was approximately 16%, three times greater than the recommended 5% approach slope. The ground speed at a point on short final was estimated at 115 kt ±5 kt, corresponding to an indicated airspeed of approximately 110 kt. Engine speed on short final was recorded at 2,600 rpm. Examination of the site revealed black marks on the runway consistent with braked wheels, with the first mark observed approximately 320 m after the displaced threshold. The wreckage was found in a wooded area approximately 150 m to the left of the end of the runway, oriented on a 130° heading. The aircraft was destroyed by a post-accident fire, which prevented confirmation of flight control linkage continuity, flap position, and braking system condition. ## Survival Aspects The autopsy report indicated that the front-right passenger died during the collision with the ground. The pilot and the two rear-seat passengers escaped through the right side of the wreckage. Emergency services attended to the injured within less than ten minutes of the accident; all survivors suffered severe burns.