Incident Overview
On Monday 17 October 2011 at 14:51 local time, a SOCATA TB20 registered as F-GENS struck treetops while on final approach to the paved runway 08 at Lognes aerodrome (Seine-et-Marne, France). The aircraft, operated by a flying club, was occupied solely by the pilot. No consequences were reported.
Flight History
The pilot departed Lognes around 14:00 for a local flight, during which he completed several circuits at Coulommiers aerodrome. Returning to Lognes, he joined the downwind leg for runway 08 paved. Several aircraft preceded him in the traffic pattern.
Collision with Trees
During the final approach, the aircraft struck the treetops of Bois de Célie, whose edge is 650 meters from the runway threshold. The pilot announced a go-around. Witnesses on the frequency reported seeing the aircraft contact the treetops. On the following circuit, an instructor in another aircraft suggested the pilot of F-GENS land on the unpaved runway 08. The pilot landed on that runway without further incident.
Pilot Account
The pilot explained that initially he maintained 95 knots. However, due to a preceding aircraft, he widened the traffic pattern by taking a heading of 180° on the base leg. Immediately after the last turn, he reduced speed to 85 knots and extended flaps to the landing position. He stated that he began the last turn 200 feet too low. During the final approach, he divided his attention between his airspeed and the position of the aircraft ahead and considered a go-around because of the proximity. He did not see the trees that he struck.
Aerodrome Information
Lognes aerodrome was operating under self-information that day. Runway 08 was the preferential direction. Unlike runway 26 paved, runway 08 was not equipped with PAPI. An obstacle survey conducted by the oversight authority on 30 June 2009 had listed no obstacles near the landing path of runway 08 paved.
Sequence and Pilot Experience
The pilot of F-GENS announced final at 14:50:52, seven seconds after a first pilot announced short final and two seconds after the pilot of the immediate ahead aircraft, a PA28, also announced final. According to flight manuals, the TB20 has an approach speed 10 knots higher than the PA28. The pilot's total flight experience was 170 hours, including 90 as pilot-in-command and 40 on type. He had flown 12 hours on type in the preceding three months.
Conclusion
The incident resulted from the pilot's attention being focused on his position relative to the aircraft ahead in the traffic pattern, at the expense of managing his descent path and observing potential obstacles on the ground.