Incident Overview
On April 14, 2014, at approximately 13:00 local time, a Jodel D140 aircraft registered as F-PMGV was involved in an accident while operating on the altisurface of the Tour glacier in Haute-Savoie (74). The flight was an instructional mission involving an instructor and a student pilot. The aircraft sustained significant damage to its landing gear and skis.
Flight Sequence
Following a previous landing at the Talêfre glacier, the crew proceeded to the Tour glacier site, located at 10,100 feet altitude. The student pilot, under the supervision of the instructor, conducted a reconnaissance of the landing zone known as the "Tour window." After consulting with the instructor, the student initiated a final approach on a heading of 100 degrees, targeting a point before existing landing traces.
During the flare phase, a wind gust lifted the aircraft, shifting the touchdown point forward. The instructor took control to avoid potential collision with rocks and executed a left turn. The skis penetrated into fresh snow, resulting in the structural failure of both the skis and the main landing gear.
Operational Context
The instructor held a CPL(A) license with 2,165 total flight hours, including 1,160 on type, and was qualified for mountain operations with wheels and skis. The student also held a CPL(A) with 398 total hours and 103 on type. Both pilots were qualified for the specific environment.
Weather conditions at the site included winds from the northwest at 20 knots with gusts up to 35 knots, clear visibility (CAVOK), and a temperature of -3°C. Prior to departure, the instructor reviewed weather data indicating lighter winds at nearby stations, which supported the decision to proceed.
Conclusion
The investigation concluded that the accident was likely caused by an incorrect estimation of wind conditions during the site reconnaissance. The strong tailwind present at the moment of landing prevented the crew from maintaining the initially selected touchdown point.