What happened
On July 28, 2003, a Pilatus PC 12-45, registration HB-FOX, was conducting a mountain flight training mission at Courchevel altiport. The flight crew, consisting of an instructor and two students, had previously landed at Megève and proceeded to Courchelar for a second landing on runway 23. During the approach, the crew estimated a right rearwind component of approximately five knots.
Following an initial landing that was described by a witness as "a bit long," the instructor noted vibrations in the controls during short final and instructed the student to increase the approach speed to 72 knots. On the subsequent approach, the student maintained a speed of 80 knots with a vertical speed of 500 feet per minute. The aircraft touched down further up the runway than the previous landing, specifically in the first third of the steepest section of the runway (an 18.5% gradient).
Upon touchdown, the pilot applied reverse thrust and heavy braking; however, the aircraft could not be stopped within the runway limits. During the rollout, a wind gust lifted the nose of the aircraft, prompting the crew to push the control column forward. The aircraft eventually struck an embankment and came to a halt. The aircraft was heavily damaged, but all three occupants exited the aircraft safely.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the landing parameters and the suitability of the aircraft for the specific environment. Investigators examined the runway profile, noting that the touchdown occurred near a transition point between a 12.5% and an 18.5% gradient. The manufacturer's data indicated that, given the aircraft's mass of 4,250 kg and an approach speed of 80 knots, the theoretical landing roll distance should have been approximately 380 meters.
Technical analysis also considered the impact of wind gusts on the touchdown point and the aircraft's stability during the rollout. The investigation reviewed the flight crew's qualifications, noting that while the instructor was authorized to use the Courchevel altiport, he did not hold a type rating for the Pilatus PC 12.