What happened
On November 28, 2024, a Piper PA-46-500-TP, registration F-HYPF, was performing a commercial flight from La Rochelle - Ile de Ré, France, to Treviso Airport (LIPH), Italy. During the final approach to runway 07, the aircraft experienced a sudden and forceful contact with the runway surface. This impact caused the right main landing gear to detach from the airframe.
Following the separation of the gear, the aircraft slid along the runway, supported by the nose gear, the left main gear, and the right wingtip. The aircraft veered to the right, eventually coming to a halt approximately 490 meters from the initial touchdown point, roughly 5 meters from the runway edge. All 5 persons on board, including the pilot and four passengers, evacuated the aircraft independently and sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, which were found to be in order, and confirmed the aircraft was fully operational prior to the incident. Physical inspection of the wreckage revealed extensive damage, including the loss of the right landing gear leg, structural deformation of the right wing, and damage to the rear right stabilizer. Scuff marks on the runway confirmed the path of the detached gear and the landing gear hub.
Interviews with the pilot revealed that while the flight was planned with knowledge of the prevailing weather, the pilot expected conditions to improve. The pilot utilized the autopilot extensively during the ILS approach. Upon approaching the decision height, the pilot disconnected the autopilot to transition to visual references. Due to the low visibility, there was a delay in acquiring visual cues for the runway, which led to a delayed flare maneuver.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a heavy and asymmetric landing resulting from a delayed flare maneuver.
- The impact energy was sufficient to cause the separation of the right main landing gear.
- The pilot's limited experience performing IFR approaches in IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions) acted as a contributing factor to the late execution of the flare.