What happened
On June 25, 2017, a Tecnam P2002 aircraft, registration F-HLAC, departed from Annecy Meythet for a flight to the Corlier altiport. After approximately thirty minutes of flight, the pilot performed a reconnaissance pass over the site before proceeding to land on runway 12, an unpaved strip with a 15% uphill gradient.
During the landing sequence, the aircraft touched down approximately 250 meters after the runway threshold and 50 meters before the end of the runway. The aircraft then exited the runway longitudinally, striking an earthen embankment located 50 meters beyond the runway extremity. The pilot and passenger sustained two injuries, and the pilot later passed away several months after the accident.
The investigation
The BEA examined the wreckage and the landing site, noting significant braking marks in the final 50 meters of the runway and the cleared area leading to the embankment. No mechanical anomalies were found in the aircraft.
Investigators reviewed the pilot's experience, noting that while he did not hold a mountain rating, he had regularly used various mountain sites and had performed training landings at Corlier in the months preceding the accident. Meteorological data indicated unstable air below 2,000 meters, with convective clouds and gusty winds. At the time of the accident, winds were estimated at 7 knots from the northwest with gusts up to 20 knots.
Testimony from the pilot and passenger indicated that during the reconnaissance pass, wind indicators suggested a tailwind of approximately 5 to 10 knots. The pilot reported approaching the runway at an indicated airspeed of approximately 65 knots, which was significantly higher than the 51-knot approach speed recommended in the flight manual. Both occupants noted that the aircraft appeared to float above the runway during the flare.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was performing a landing under unfavorable aerological conditions combined with an excessive approach speed.
- The high approach speed likely increased the aircraft's floating distance due to ground effect, delaying the touchdown.
- An increase in tailwind during the flare may have further extended the landing distance.
- The remaining runway length at the moment of touchdown was insufficient to stop the aircraft before it encountered the embankment.