Hard landing of Pilatus Porter following canceled parachute jump

Casualties unknown • Conséquences et dommages, FR

A Pilatus Porter PC6-B2H2 sustained heavy damage after a hard landing at Nancy Azelot aerodrome due to improper approach management.

What happened

On July 22, 2011, a Pilatus Porter PC6-B2H2, registration F-GFFD, departed from Nancy Azelot aerodrome carrying nine skydivers for a jump at 4,000 meters. During the climb, surface winds increased beyond the 11 m/s (20 kt) limit permitted for parachute landings. Consequently, the technical director ordered the cancellation of the jump, instructing the pilot to abort the climb and return to the airfield.

The pilot entered the airfield circuit and proceeded to the final approach for the unpaved runway 36. The aircraft landed very heavily approximately 300 meters before the displaced threshold. Witnesses on the ground observed that the aircraft maintained a very low and shallow glide slope during its final approach. The aircraft was operating near its maximum allowable weight, and the pilot noted this was his first time landing with nine passengers on board.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the flight parameters, the aircraft's mechanical condition, and the pilot's training credentials. Investigators examined the aircraft's technical state and found no mechanical failures that contributed to the incident. The damage to the aircraft included the engine, engine mount, turbine, right main landing gear, and both wing struts.

Regarding the pilot's experience, the commander held a private pilot license with 465 total flight hours. While the pilot had obtained a type rating for the Pilatus Porter PC6 and a specific training certificate (DNC) earlier in 2011, he had only completed approximately 60 hours as a pilot-in-command on this type. The investigation also reviewed the operator's training program, which was intended to include instruction on the specific handling characteristics of high-mass landings.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the hard landing was inappropriate management of the final approach trajectory and the flare maneuver.
  • The pilot had not received adequate instruction or evaluation regarding landing procedures at high maximum weights during his training.
  • The aircraft was operating near its maximum takeoff weight, which significantly affects aircraft behavior during landing.

Probable cause

The hard landing was caused by the pilot's failure to properly manage the approach path and flare, exacerbated by a lack of specific training and evaluation for high-mass landing operations.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2011-07-22 Pilatus Porter PC6-B2H2 accident near Conséquences et dommages, FR?

A Pilatus Porter PC6-B2H2 sustained heavy damage after a hard landing at Nancy Azelot aerodrome due to improper approach management.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2011-07-22 involved a Pilatus Porter PC6-B2H2, at Conséquences et dommages, FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The hard landing was caused by the pilot's failure to properly manage the approach path and flare, exacerbated by a lack of specific training and evaluation for high-mass landing operations.

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