What happened
On the evening of September 30, 2011, a Piper Aircraft PA 28-181, registration N181HP, was conducting a private flight from Luçon-Chasnais to Saint-Pierre d’Oléron for refueling. The flight was intended to return to the departure airfield before nightfall. While performing a vertical survey of the local facilities, the pilot prepared to join a downwind leg for runway 28.
During the final approach, the pilot was significantly hindered by the low angle of the sun, which was positioned at an elevation of only 5° above the horizon. Due to the glare, the pilot attempted a go-around; however, the pilot reported that the power controls appeared to have no effect. The aircraft subsequently touched down approximately halfway down the runway. The aircraft continued down the runway with high energy, exiting the airfield boundaries, crossing a road and a field, and crossing a second road before coming to a stop in a wooded area roughly 300 meters beyond the runway end.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aircraft's performance and the environmental conditions during the landing. Physical evidence from the scene showed that the aircraft exited the runway longitudinally with significant kinetic energy. While the propeller showed deformation, an examination of the engine revealed no malfunctions prior to the accident, and fuel was present in the tanks. The flaps were found in the first position.
Investigators analyzed the solar position and timing, noting that the sun was at an azimuth of 270°. The pilot's experience was noted at 1,862 total flight hours, with 846 hours on this specific type. The weather was reported as CAVOK with light winds.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's decision to attempt a landing without having established the necessary external visual references required for a safe touchdown.
- A late go-around attempt resulted in the aircraft touching down past the midpoint of the runway, leaving insufficient distance to clear obstacles.
- The pilot's desire to return to the departure airfield before the onset of night likely created time pressure, which contributed to the rushed decision-making process.