What happened
On April 14, 2014, a Jodel D1mal 140, registration F-PMGV, was conducting a flight training mission at the Glacier du Tour altisurface in France. Following a previous landing on the nearby Glacier du Talêfre, the instructor and student pilot proceeded to the Glacier du Tour. The student, acting as the pilot in command, performed a reconnaissance of the landing area known as the "fenêtre du Tour."
After consulting with the instructor, the student decided to land on a path oriented at 100°, aiming for a touchdown point located before existing tracks left by other aircraft. While the approach appeared stable, a sudden gust of wind lifted the aircraft during the flare, shifting the intended touchdown point forward. To avoid hitting rocks in the flight path, the pilot executed a left turn. Upon touchdown, the skis sank into a patch of fresh snow, causing the skis and the main landing gear to break.
The investigation
The investigation examined the meteorological conditions and the crew's decision-making process. At the time of the accident, the wind was estimated at 20 knots from the northwest, with potential gusts up to 35 knots. Prior to takeoff, the instructor had consulted weather information for the Mont Blanc massif, which indicated variable winds of only 5 to 10 knots. This information, combined with observations from other pilots and the successful landing at the Glacier du Talêfre, led the crew to believe the landing at the Glacier du Tour was safe.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an incorrect estimation of the wind conditions during the reconnaissance phase.
- The crew failed to maintain their chosen touchdown point due to the presence of a strong tailwind at the moment of landing.