What happened
On Wednesday, May 16, 2001, at 14:40, a SOCATA TB 10, registration F-GJXQ, was performing a solo training flight at Auch Aerodrome. Following a navigation flight from Muret, the student pilot completed an initial circuit and a touch-and-go maneuver. During the second circuit, the aircraft approached the final approach at 70 knots. As the pilot attempted the flare, the aircraft began to climb unexpectedly. In an attempt to correct the flight path, the pilot pushed the control column forward, causing the aircraft to strike the runway on its nose gear. The impact caused the nose gear to collapse and resulted in damage to both the nose gear and the fuselage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aircraft's trim configuration and the pilot's control inputs during the landing phase. It was determined that the aircraft was operating near the forward center of gravity limit, with a CG of 13.5% compared to a minimum limit of 11%. Testing conducted with the same trim settings and center of gravity revealed that control forces required to execute a flare were significantly high. Additionally, the investigation considered the pilot's experience level and the potential impact of instructor fatigue on the flight environment.
Findings
- The aircraft was configured with inadequate trim during the final approach and flare.
- The pilot demonstrated insufficient technique in recovering from a missed flare.
- The forward center of gravity position made the required control forces for the flare exceptionally heavy and difficult to manage.
- When control forces were released following an over-corrected flare, the aircraft entered a steep nose-down pitch with a high roll rate.
- Fatigue of the instructor may have acted as a contributing factor.