What happened
On November 15, 2012, a Robin DR 400-160, registration F-GUYA, was performing the second leg of a circular navigation flight involving three pilots. After a stop in Millau, the crew approached Figeac aerodrome. While near the airfield, the pilot broadcasted his position and intention to land on the self-information frequency.
Upon passing over the airfield facilities, the pilot assessed the wind as calm and initially intended to join the left-hand pattern for runway 29. However, after hearing another aircraft announce its use of runway 11, the pilot decided to improvise a right-hand pattern to the south to intercept the final approach for runway 11. During this maneuver, the crew attempted to locate the other aircraft but failed to establish visual contact.
As the approach progressed, the pilot noted the aircraft was above the glide path. During short final, the pilot realized the touchdown point was offset toward the center of the runway and considered a go-around. Ultimately, the pilot focused on the far end of the runway and attempted to flare late. This resulted in a bounce, causing the nose gear to collapse and the propeller to strike the ground. There were no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making and flight preparation. Investigators found that the pilot did not consult the available paper or electronic VAC charts during the flight, which would have clarified the distinct traffic patterns used by fixed-wing aircraft and ULMs at the aerodrome. Furthermore, the pilot had not performed specific arrival preparations for Figeac. The investigation also examined the impact of the crew's familiarity with one another on the decision-making process during the unstable approach.
Findings
- The primary cause was the pilot's improvisation of a flight path that prevented a stabilized approach, combined with the decision to continue the landing despite recognizing the deviation.
- Incomplete arrival preparation and distraction caused by searching for another aircraft led to the improvised trajectory.
- The pilot's failure to consult aeronautical charts prevented better situational awareness regarding local traffic patterns.
- The close working relationship between the three pilots may have influenced the commander's decision-making, potentially reinforcing the decision to proceed with the landing.