What happened
On May 3, 2005, a Robin DR 400-160, registration F-GTPZ, was performing a solo instructional flight at the Toulouse-Lasbordes aerodrome. Following a series of dual-instruction circuits on runway 34, the instructor determined that the wind conditions—characterized by gusts between 10 and 18 knots from the left and rain showers—were suitable for the student to continue solo.
During the student's subsequent solo approach to runway 34, the aircraft experienced a botched flare. As the pilot attempted the flare, the aircraft briefly climbed before making contact with the runway. Following touchdown, the aircraft drifted to the left. The pilot momentarily increased engine power before reducing it again, but the aircraft ultimately exited the paved surface to the left and came to a stop on the grass. There were no injuries and no damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's actions during the landing phase and the impact of the prevailing meteorological conditions. Investigators examined the flight sequence, noting that the student had recently completed local flights and circuits under dual instruction. The analysis considered the aerodynamic effects of the wind on the aircraft's behavior during the flare maneuver.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the insufficient mastery of techniques required to recover from a missed flare in the presence of strong and irregular winds.
- During the flare, the pilot likely applied a pitch input consistent with standard procedures; however, the gusty wind caused an increase in airspeed, which in turn increased lift and induced an unplanned climb.
- The aircraft's deviation to the left was a direct result of the interaction between the wind gusts and the pilot's inability to compensate for the sudden change in lift during the landing flare.