What happened
On March 14, 1999, at 16:40, a privately operated Jodel D 119 was conducting a navigation flight from Laon via Albert-Bray and Amiens. While flying near the Péronne aerodrome at 2,000 feet, the pilot noticed a significant drop in engine RPM, decreasing by approximately 200 to 300 revolutions per minute. Suspecting carburetor icing, the pilot activated the carburetor heat control; however, when this failed to restore engine performance, the decision was made to divert and land at Péronne on runway 27.
Upon touchdown on the paved runway, a sudden gust of crosswind caused the aircraft to veer to the right. This resulted in a ground loop where the aircraft pivoted on its axis to face the wind, causing substantial damage to the propeller, the landing gear, and the left wing.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of directional control during the landing roll. Investigators examined the meteorological conditions at the time, noting that while the sustained winds were light, gusts of up to 12 knots were recorded at the nearby Epehy station. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience and the mechanical state of the aircraft, a homebuilt construction with a conventional landing gear configuration.