Incident Overview
On Saturday, July 7, 2012, at approximately 17:50 local time, a private Cessna 182 with registration F-GFGS experienced a hard landing and lateral runway excursion at the private aerodrome of Lacave le Frau in France. The aircraft, powered by a Continental O-470R engine and equipped with a Mac Cauley 2A34C 66-P variable-pitch propeller, was destroyed in the incident. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, survived.
Operational Context
The pilot, holding private licenses for both airplane and helicopter operations, was conducting a circular navigation flight departing from and returning to Clermont-Ferrand. During cruise, the pilot reported hearing an abnormal noise accompanied by strong vibrations felt primarily through the rudder pedals. The engine RPM increased uncommanded to 2,400 rpm. In response, the pilot reduced power and initiated a descent toward Lacave le Frau.
Approach and Impact
The pilot executed a left turn to join the downwind leg of runway 13 for a precautionary landing. During the final approach, the pilot noted a steep glide path and excessive airspeed. With flaps extended to 20 degrees, the aircraft touched down on the uphill section of the runway. It bounced twice before impacting the ground again, causing the nose gear to break and the propeller to strike the surface. The aircraft subsequently veered off the runway laterally and overturned onto its back.
Investigation Findings
The investigation could not determine the specific origin of the engine anomaly reported by the pilot. However, the conclusion stated that the accident resulted from an inappropriate approach technique with reduced power following the detection of the anomaly. The stress induced by the situation may have impaired the pilot's ability to estimate and control the flight path.