2012 Robin DR 400-120 accident at Doncourt-lès-Conflans

Overview and Circumstances On 10 June 2012, a Robin DR 400-120 registered F-HCDA, operated by a club, departed Bar-le-Duc with a passenger for Doncourt-lès-Conflans. During the approach to runway 08, the pilot observed a ULM operating a left-hand circuit on the unpublished pattern and two parachutists landing. While scanning for the ULM and parachutists at an estimated 10 m above the threshold, the aircraft deviated to the right. The passenger, who had flown the outbound leg, repeatedly warned the pilot that the aircraft was off-axis and later pointed out a red pole. The pilot initiated a go-around, but the left wing struck the support pole of the parachutists' windsock at a height of 1.5 m, located about 120 m from the runway centerline. The aircraft then landed off the runway approximately 140 m from the centerline. ## Aircraft, Personnel, and Damage The pilot had 815 total flight hours, including about 800 hours on type and five hours in the two months before the accident. The pilot was familiar with the aerodrome, where his flying club was based. The left wing was severely damaged. Runway 08 was 1,000 m long and 80 m wide. ## Findings The investigation concluded that the accident resulted from a late decision to interrupt the landing. The pilot's focus on external surveillance during the final approach likely contributed to a loss of spatial references.