Solo Student Pilot Lands Off-Runway and Collides with PAPI at Grenoble Le Versoud (F-GTPY)

Flight and Accident Sequence On 18 June 2014 at 13:30 local time, a student pilot was conducting a solo training flight in a Robin DR400, registration F-GTPY, operated by a club at Grenoble Le Versoud aerodrome. The student had completed five circuits with an instructor, who then authorized a solo circuit. The student took off from paved runway 04. During the circuit, another pilot aborted a takeoff on paved runway 04 after striking a bird. The controller closed the paved runway to allow the bird to be recovered and instructed the student, who was on final approach, to go around and land on unpaved runway 04 after completing a new circuit. The student landed on the grass strip located between the two runways, to the right of and outside unpaved runway 04. During rollout, the student saw the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) ahead and attempted to avoid it by applying left rudder. During the avoidance maneuver, the right wing struck one of the PAPI lights. ## Pilot Experience and Testimony The student had 140 total flight hours, including 2 hours as sole pilot on board and 9 hours 30 minutes in the preceding three months, all on type. Training began in 2009. The student usually used the paved runway at Grenoble Le Versoud. The two hours as sole pilot on board were completed over six flights, the most recent in September 2013, generally limited to one or two circuits. The instructor stated that he remained in radio contact with the student and that the approach to unpaved runway 04 appeared correct. From his position, he could not determine whether the aircraft was aligned with the runway. He also indicated that the PAPI was switched off. The student stated that he had confused the unpaved runway with the grass strip between the two runways and realized the error when he saw the PAPI ahead. ## Weather Conditions Observed weather at the accident site was: wind from the northeast at 2 knots; broken clouds at 3,500 feet; temperature 19°C; QNH 1015 hPa. ## Findings The student did not detect that he had landed outside the unpaved runway. The report states that he was probably disturbed during the circuit by the change associated with the closure of the paved runway on which he had planned to land.