What happened
On August 12, 2006, at 17:45, a Robin DR 400-120, registration F-GYBB, was performing a solo navigation flight. After departing from Nantes aerodrome for Ancenis, the pilot performed a touch-and-go maneuver at Ancenis before returning to Nantes. Upon returning, the pilot did not review the current ATIS information. Air traffic control cleared the aircraft to join the aerodrome circuit directly at the right-hand base leg for runway 03.
Seeking to manage the approach, the pilot chose to join the circuit at the end of the downwind leg, which increased the workload associated with landing preparations. During the final approach, the pilot increased the approach speed by 10 km/h. While the aircraft was aligned with the runway centerline during the flare, the nose wheel made contact with the ground significantly after the main gear. Following touchdown, the aircraft's trajectory drifted 45 degrees to the left. Despite the pilot applying right aileron and right rudder, the controls were ineffective in correcting the drift. The aircraft exited the runway and came to a stop approximately 40 meters from the edge of the paved surface. The incident resulted in damage to the left flap.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making and the aerodynamic conditions during the landing. Investigators examined the pilot's flight experience, noting that while the pilot had 136 total flight hours, the recent flight training was being conducted by a trainee. The investigation also reviewed the meteorological conditions, which included a crosswind of approximately 11 to 20 knots.
Findings
- The pilot was preoccupied with the challenges of landing in a crosswind.
- The instruction from air traffic control to shorten the circuit pattern caused mental distraction.
- The decision to join the circuit at the end of the downwind leg increased the pilot's workload during the critical landing preparation phase.
- Due to the increased workload and distraction, the pilot lacked the necessary resources to effectively manage the aircraft's response to the aerodynamic conditions during the landing.