What happened
On Friday, May 26, 2000, at 14:30, a Socata MS 892 A 150 (registration F-BTRI) was conducting a flight training mission at the Corlier Altiport. The flight involved an instructor and a student pilot. After an initial arrival to drop off a student, the instructor performed several circuit patterns. During the final approach of a subsequent circuit, the instructor noted increasing wind strength, which was causing a downdraft during the short final phase of the approach.
As the aircraft reached the flare, it began to sink unexpectedly. The main landing gear struck an embankment located before the runway threshold. This impact caused the aircraft to bounce, leading to the collapse of the nose gear. The propeller subsequently struck the ground, and the aircraft slid along the unpaved runway before coming to a halt after a 90-degree pivot. There were no fatalities among the two occupants.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight conditions and the pilot's response to the meteorological environment. At the time of the accident, the wind was recorded between 170° and 190° at 10 to 15 knots, with moderate turbulence. The instructor had observed the increasing wind during previous circuits but did not increase the approach speed to compensate for the changing conditions. The investigation also noted that the VAC (VFR Advisory Circuit) for the area specifically recommended caution regarding southern winds and the risk of turbulence.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the insufficient compensation for wind effects during the short final approach.
- The instructor did not increase the approach speed despite observing a strengthening wind and a downdraft effect.
- The aircraft sustained heavy damage to the landing gear and propeller.