What happened
On October 21, 2009, a Piper PA 46 500 TP, registration N60910, was conducting an IFR flight from Odense, Denmark, to Cahors, France. The flight was delayed by approximately 55 minutes, resulting in the aircraft arriving at the destination shortly after sunset.
As the pilot approached the runway, he did not observe any visual markings indicating the runway was closed. Upon touchdown, the aircraft struck several hay bales and metal barriers that had been placed across the runway for a non-aviation event. The pilot attempted to increase power to clear the obstacles, but the aircraft subsequently collided with additional metal barriers before coming to a stop on the unpended portion of the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained significant damage to its wings, propeller, radar warning receiver, and lower fuselage.
The investigation
The BEA investigation focused on why the aircraft attempted to land at an airfield that was officially closed. The investigation established that a NOTAM had been issued specifying the closure of the Cahors aerodrome, the AFIS service, and refueling services. While the pilot possessed this NOTAM, he had failed to take its contents into account.
Furthermore, the investigation examined the role of air traffic services. Although the airfield manager had verbally notified the Rodez Approach Control (CCA Rodez) of the closure the previous day, this information was not recorded in the operational logbook. Consequently, the controller on duty was unaware of the closure and did not warn the pilot. During radio contact, the controller even requested that the pilot close his flight plan upon arrival, a request which the pilot likely interpreted as an indication that landing was permitted.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the execution of a flight without accounting for information determining its feasibility.
- The pilot continued the flight toward the destination despite low fuel reserves and deteriorating light conditions, which left no margin for a missed approach or diversion.
- The pilot failed to review the critical information contained in the NOTAM regarding the airfield closure.
- The controller at Rodez did not provide information regarding the closure because the verbal notification from the airfield manager had not been formally documented in the duty log.
- The pilot's desire to reach the destination to meet acquaintances contributed to the decision-making process.