What happened
On August 7, 2012, a Jodel 1056M, registration F-PLEC, was performing a training flight departing from Megève. The pilot, who was the aircraft owner, was accompanied by a mountain instructor with the objective of extending their site qualification for the Corlier altisurface.
After approximately forty minutes of flight, the crew performed three reconnaissance passes of the landing site. Estimating a tailwind of approximately 10 knots, the pilot elected to land on runway 12. During the final approach in full flaps configuration, the pilot noted the aircraft was above the glide path. Attempting to correct the high speed, the pilot increased the aircraft's pitch. The aircraft subsequently touched down mid-runway.
Upon touchdown, the instructor took control to apply the brakes using the centralized manual brake control. During this maneuver, the instructor's arm struck the pilot's elbow. Because the pilot still had a hand on the throttle, this physical contact caused an unintended increase in engine power. As the aircraft reached the platform, the instructor attempted a sharp turn and applied heavy braking using the right rudder pedal. This caused the aircraft to veer right, pass a pylon, and ultimately capsize onto its back.
The investigation
The investigation examined the environmental conditions and the sequence of mechanical and human interactions during the landing roll. Investigators noted that the Corlier runway 12 is 350 meters long with an average upward slope of 15%. Meteorological data indicated CAVOK conditions with a wind from 300° at 12 knots and gusts up to 20 knots. Witnesses reported that wind speeds had increased in the interval between the landings of three preceding aircraft and the arrival of F-PLEC.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the decision to attempt the approach and landing in a strong tailwind.
- An unintended increase in engine RPM occurred because the instructor's arm struck the pilot's elbow while the pilot was still holding the throttle.
- The successful landings of three other aircraft just minutes prior may have created a sense of overconfidence, leading the crew to proceed with the landing despite the unfavorable wind conditions.