What happened
On March 22, 2009, a Piper PA 28-151 Warrior, registration F-GJDH, was conducting a local flight from Saint-Cyr-l’Ecole. During the return to the aerodrome, the pilot adjusted the approach pattern due to traffic, eventually intending to land on runway 11 L.
As the aircraft reached the final approach, the pilot had the flaps set to the second notch and the carburetor heat engaged. After passing the offset runway threshold, the pilot determined the aircraft was above the glide path and initiated a go-around. During the maneuver, the pilot retracted the carburetor heat and partially retracted the flaps. While attempting an acceleration level-off, the pilot struggled to maintain wings level and noted that the engine was not delivering full power. To avoid trees located approximately 200 meters beyond the end of the runway, the pilot applied a significant pitch-up attitude. The aircraft subsequently struck the trees, came to a stop, and caught fire, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and conducted engine bench tests. The engine was found to be capable of delivering its nominal power during testing. Analysis of the wreckage revealed that the flaps were actually in the first notch position at the time of impact.
Witnesses on the ground observed that the aircraft touched the runway beyond the midpoint before the go-around was initiated. Some witnesses noted that the aircraft's pitch attitude fluctuated significantly during the acceleration phase, eventually banking to the right and stalling. Passengers reported that the aircraft had touched the runway prior to the go-around and noted that they did not hear a stall warning.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating at a weight near its maximum takeoff mass.
- The pilot was performing his first flight as pilot-in-command of this specific Piper PA 28-151 model.
- The primary cause of the accident was the late decision to initiate the go-around.