What happened
On July 29, 2013, a Diamond DA4 and0D, registration F-HDAF, was performing circuit training at the Feurs aerodrome. The aircraft, operated by a flying club, was carrying a pilot and one passenger. During the first approach on runway 33, the aircraft was configured with landing flaps and maintaining a speed of 70 knots, with engine power set between 15% and 20%.
As the aircraft reached the short final stage of the approach, it began to descend. In an attempt to maintain the approach path, the pilot applied full power and increased the pitch of the aircraft. This maneuver triggered the stall warning alarm. Although engine power began to increase, the aircraft struck the ground approximately 10 meters before reaching the runway threshold, causing heavy damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aircraft's performance and the pilot's actions during the approach. The Diamond DA40D is equipped with a Thielert TAE 125-01 engine managed by a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system. Investigators noted that while the stall speed under the day's conditions was 45 knots, experienced instructors indicated that a power setting of approximately 36% is typically required to maintain approach speeds in the landing flap configuration. Furthermore, the FADEC system introduces a specific delay between the pilot's power demand and the actual increase in engine output.
Regarding the pilot, the individual held a PPL(A) license with 220 total flight hours, including 8 hours on this specific type. The pilot had been re-qualified on the aircraft five days prior to the accident.
Findings
The descent of the aircraft during short final was caused by a stall resulting from a combination of factors:
- Inadequate monitoring of the aircraft's airspeed.
- A late application of engine power.
- The pilot's decision to pitch the nose up to compensate for the descent, which exacerbated the loss of airspeed.