What happened
On March 4, 2002, at 14:00, a Piper PA-19 Super Cub, registration F-BOUF, was performing circuit patterns at Chavenay aerodrome. Following a series of touch-and-go landings, the pilot attempted a full landing on runway 11. The aircraft experienced a bounce during the three-point landing, subsequently making contact with the runway approximately 250 meters past the threshold.
As the aircraft continued along the unpaved surface, the pilot applied brakes on the wet, soft grass. However, deceleration was insufficient to prevent the aircraft from approaching the end of the runway and the airfield perimeter fence. In an attempt to avoid the fence, the pilot considered a right-hand turn but instead executed a go-around. This sudden application of power caused the aircraft to lift off, at which point the landing gear struck the 1.5-meter-high airfield fence. The impact destabilized the aircraft, leading it to strike a pylon approximately ten meters further into an orchard. The aircraft sustained heavy damage, and several apple trees and the airfield fence were also destroyed. There were two persons on board, both of whom survived the incident without injury.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making during the landing roll and the physical conditions of the aircraft and runway. Investigators established that the aircraft's mass at the time of landing exceeded the manufacturer's maximum allowable weight. Additionally, the investigation reviewed the pilot's recent experience, noting that while the pilot held a CPL, they had only 8 hours and 10 minutes of experience on this specific type, with no flight time in the aircraft since August 2001.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the decision to execute a go-around in an inappropriate manner during the landing roll.
- The pilot's reaction to the approaching obstacle was an inadequate reflex for the intended action.
- Braking performance was significantly reduced due to the wet and soft nature of the runway surface.
- The aircraft was operating at a weight exceeding the maximum authorized limit.
- The pilot's limited recent experience on this specific aircraft type likely contributed to the error.