What happened
On November 29, 1998, a Reims Aviation F172 N Skyhawk, registration F-GHBN, was conducting a flight from Étampes to the Orléans Saint-Denis-de-l'Hôtel aerodrome. Upon arrival, the pilot performed a vertical maneuver and noted a strong crosswind indicated by the windsock. To avoid the crosswind, the pilot initially intended to land on the paved runway 05 using a tailwind approach.
During the maneuver, the pilot received information via radio from an unidentified individual stating that runway 23 was in service. The pilot subsequently altered the approach to runway 23. However, during the final approach, the pilot was blinded by the sun's position. Seeking a safer landing area, the pilot opted to land on the grass runway, noting its greater width. During the deceleration phase on the unpaved surface, the aircraft became bogged down.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making process and the status of the airfield infrastructure. Investigators noted that the unpaved runway in question was officially reserved for gliders and service aircraft. Furthermore, a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) was in effect at the time, indicating that this specific grass runway was closed for the winter season. There were no injuries or damage to the aircraft resulting from the incident.