What happened
On October 25, 2012, a Reims Aviation F172M, registration F-GBFG, attempted a takeoff from a field in Les Herbiers, France. This operation was intended to recover the aircraft from a forced landing that had occurred ten days prior. Because professional recovery services were unavailable for several weeks, the operator sought authorization to depart from the field to fly to the nearest airfield at La Roche-sur-Yon.
Prior to the flight, the takeoff area had been prepared under the supervision of a civil aviation authority (DSAC) agent. This included leveling a mound with agricultural machinery and removing a section of fencing approximately 20 meters wide. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft drifted toward the left due to a slight slope in the field. After rotation, the left main landing gear strut struck a wooden fence post, destroying the gear leg fairing. The pilot continued the flight and landed safely at La معظم La Roche-sur-Yon.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the takeoff preparations and the pilot's decision-making process. The pilot, an experienced instructor with over 14,000 flight hours, had performed performance calculations using a 1.30 safety factor for takeoff distance on wet grass. The investigation also examined the regulatory framework regarding authorized takeoffs from non-aerodrome locations and the adequacy of the field preparations.
Findings
- The pilot decided to maintain a high pitch attitude during the takeoff roll to minimize the required takeoff distance.
- This high pitch attitude prevented the pilot from maintaining sufficient external visual surveillance, making it impossible to detect the aircraft's lateral deviation toward the fence.
- The takeoff area was limited by the 20-meter width of the cleared fence section, which left little margin for error on a field without ground references.
- Time pressure, caused by deteriorating weather conditions, likely discouraged the pilot from requesting a wider clearance of the fence.
- The aircraft's climb capability may have been reduced by the combination of the high pitch attitude and a slight tailwind component.
Safety action
- The BEA recommended that the DGAC revise the French Civil Aviation Code to establish clear technical criteria and internal procedures for authorities when providing opinions on field takeoff authorizations.
- The BEA also recommended the creation of a guide for aviation clubs and companies outlining the administrative formalities and safety precautions required when planning a takeoff following a field landing.