Incident Overview
On Wednesday, September 5, 2012, at approximately 07:55 local time, a Cessna 172 registered as F-GNER was destroyed following a collision with vegetation. The incident occurred at the Coëx aerodrome in France during an interrupted landing. The aircraft was operated by a club and carried one pilot and three passengers.
Flight Circumstances
The flight departed from Briare Chatillon around 06:30. Upon arrival, the pilot contacted the aerodrome manager, who confirmed that runway 19 was in service. Radar data indicated the aircraft overflew the field at approximately 900 feet before joining the left-hand traffic pattern. During the final approach, the pilot estimated the aircraft was too long for a safe landing. Consequently, the pilot initiated a go-around during the rollout phase.
Contributing Factors
Investigation revealed that the actual mass of the aircraft at landing was 1,207 kg, exceeding the certified maximum takeoff weight of 1,158 kg. The pilot had underestimated the fuel quantity in their weight and balance calculations. Additionally, the pitch trim compensator was set to nose-down, which degraded performance during the go-around. The runway was an unpaved surface measuring 550 meters. Site observations showed the touchdown occurred 300 meters from the threshold, with a rollout of 189 meters before the aircraft struck a hedge located 115 meters beyond the runway end.
Conclusion
The accident resulted from the pilot's late decision to execute a go-around during a long landing, likely influenced by tailwind components. The excessive mass and incorrect trim setting further compromised the aircraft's ability to climb safely.