What happened
On January 17, 2012, a Nord NC 858, registration F-BDZP, was performing circuit training at the Angers-Marcé aerodrome. The flight was being conducted on the unpaved runway 26 North by a pilot accompanied by a more experienced second pilot.
During the fifth takeoff-and-landing cycle, the aircraft struck the ground with significant force and bounced. The crew elected to execute a go-around. Upon inspection, the pilots observed that the right main landing gear leg had become bent. Due to the structural damage, the crew decided that the second pilot, who possessed significantly more flight experience, would take command for the remainder of the flight.
Before attempting the next landing, the crew briefed a contingency plan in the event of a gear collapse and notified air traffic control of their distress situation. The airport's emergency services were placed on alert. To mitigate the risk, the second pilot attempted to land by keeping the right wing elevated for as long as possible, touching down primarily on the left wheel. However, as the right gear made contact with the ground, the gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to come to a halt on the runway. The aircraft sustained heavy damage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of the landing and the flight parameters during the approach. Investigators examined the flight profiles of the preceding circuits and the experience levels of both occupants. The investigation also reviewed the crew's decision-making process regarding the go-around and the subsequent emergency landing procedure.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a misjudgment of the aircraft's speed and height during the flare.
- The crew noted that the approach speed during the final landing attempt was too low, and the flare was initiated too high. This pattern of low airspeed had also been observed during the previous circuits.
- The pilot's limited experience with this specific aircraft type contributed to the accident; while the pilot held a private license since 1981, they had only flown this model once before, seven years prior.
- The decision to perform a go-around after the initial hard landing and the thorough preparation for the emergency landing helped prevent more severe consequences.