What happened
On Sunday, September 22, 2002, at approximately 16:00, a Jodel D 140 R amateur-built aircraft, registration F-PRPM, was conducting a flight from Toulouse Lasbordes to the La Montagne Noire aerodrome to participate in a static exhibition. Upon arrival at the restricted-use airfield, the pilot initially intended to land on runway 30 with a tailwind, noting the significant westerly winds. However, after hearing a glider tow pilot announce an arrival on runway 12, the pilot decided to integrate into a downwind pattern for runway 1eler.
The landing roll was noted as being somewhat long. Realizing that the aircraft's ground speed was too high to stop within the available runway length, the pilot initiated a go-around. During this maneuver, the pilot attempted to climb using an upward runway slope of 4%. During the climb, the aircraft struck a hedge of trees located just beyond the end of runway 12. The impact resulted in two injuries (the pilot and one passenger) and caused heavy damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the flight parameters at the time of the accident. The investigation established that the aircraft's flap selector was set to the second notch, whereas takeoff and go-around procedures for this type typically utilize the first notch.
Furthermore, the investigation reviewed the pilot's qualifications and the airfield requirements. The La Montagne Noire aerodrome is a specialized site requiring either a Site Authorization or a Mountain Qualification, neither of which the pilot possessed. The investigation also noted the pilot's limited experience with this specific aircraft type and a lack of familiarity with operating at high-altitude or specialized airfields.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a failure of judgment stemming from overconfidence.
- The pilot attempted a go-around on an upward slope with insufficient runway remaining.
- The pilot lacked the necessary site-specific qualifications required for the La Montagne Noire aerodrome.
- The pilot had limited experience flying the Jodel D 140 R and infrequent experience operating at specialized high-altitude airfields.
- The flaps were configured to the second notch rather than the standard first notch used for takeoff/climb performance.