What happened
On Friday, June 22, 2012, at 17:00 local time, a single-pilot flight was operating between Valenciennes and Calais Dunkerque. Upon approaching the destination, the pilot received ATIS information and contacted tower control. During the final approach for runway 24, the controller reported winds from 230° at 28 knots, with gusts reaching 40 knots.
Following a successful landing, the pilot exited the runway to the left. Due to the wind becoming a crosswind during the taxi phase, the pilot decided to taxi on the grass area to keep the aircraft oriented into the wind while heading toward the parking area. During this maneuver, the left wheel of the Aeronca L-3C encountered a water collector at the edge of the taxiway and subsequently a hole, causing the aircraft to tilt to the left. The strong winds then caused the aircraft to flip onto its back, resulting in heavy damage to the airframe.
The investigation
The investigation examined the meteorological conditions and the pilot's decision-making. At the time of the accident, winds were recorded from 230° at 28 knots with gusts up to 47 knots. While the pilot had noted the weather before departing Valenciennes, the forecast had indicated winds would strengthen in the afternoon to values exceeding 40 knots. The investigation also noted that the airport's VAC chart prohibits taxiing outside of runways and taxiways. The aircraft was a high-wing design with conventional landing gear.
Findings
- The pilot elected to proceed with the flight despite forecasts indicating unfavorable wind conditions.
- The pilot decided to taxi off the established taxiways into the grass under unstable and high-wind conditions.
- The decision to taxi off the taxiway in high winds led to the aircraft encountering uneven terrain, which, combined with wind force, caused the inversion.