What happened
On April 2, 2010, a Morane-Saulnier MS-317, registered F-BGUZ, was performing a solo training flight at Chavenay Aerodrome. The pilot, who had completed a 40-minute instructional flight with an instructor immediately prior, was conducting their second circuit on runway 23.
While on a very short final approach, the pilot decided to initiate a go-around because they felt the flare had been started too high. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a heavy rightward tilt before tipping to the left. This motion caused the left wing to strike the ground, resulting in the aircraft coming to a stop at the edge of the runway. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's control inputs and the aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft during the engine power increase. The pilot, a private pilot holder since 1988 with 400 total flight hours as pilot-in-command, stated that they applied both right rudder and right aileron during the go-around.
Investigators examined the engine configuration, noting that the Morane-Saulnier MS-317 is equipped with a high-displacement radial engine. Such engines generate significant leftward gyroscopic torque when engine RPM is rapidly increased. Environmental conditions at the time of the accident included a wind from 200 degrees at 10 to 15 knots.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an excessive application of control inputs intended to counteract the engine's gyroscopic torque during the go-around.
- The presence of a crosswind may have contributed to the loss of control.