What happened
On December 22, 2005, a Jodel D 140 E Mousquetaire, registration F-BNIV, was performing a solo flight for site qualification training at the Méribel altiport. The pilot was in the middle of a four-day training program involving multiple daily flights to master the specificities of the mountain airfield.
During the takeoff roll on runway 33, the aircraft reached a section where the runway gradient increased significantly from 4% to 11%. At this point, the pilot observed individuals near the end of the runway who appeared to be crossing from right to left. Fearing a collision, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff.
In an attempt to stop the aircraft, the pilot turned left toward the uncompacted snow at the edge of the runway. The aircraft experienced a significant veer to the left, prompting the pilot to apply right rudder to return to the compacted portion of the runway. Realizing that stopping on the remaining paved surface was not possible, the pilot steered the aircraft back into the fresh snow. The aircraft eventually struck a wooden perimeter fence, resulting in a destroyed wing.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making process and the training provided for the specific environment of the Méribel altiport. Investigators examined the runway conditions, noting that the runway was covered in compacted snow.
Crucially, the investigation looked into the visibility of obstacles at the runway threshold. The change in gradient at the 4% to 11% mark creates a visual challenge, making it difficult to accurately judge the distance and position of objects located just beyond the runway end. The investigation also reviewed the training curriculum, finding that while the pilot had completed numerous takeoffs under instruction, the specific hazards related to the runway's slope and visual limitations had not been explicitly addressed in ground school.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to abort the takeoff was triggered by the perceived presence of pedestrians on the runway path.
- The sudden change in runway gradient significantly hindered the pilot's ability to accurately assess the position of obstacles at the runway end.
- Insufficient awareness during instruction regarding the specific environmental characteristics of the Méribel altiport contributed to the event, as the particular visual challenges of the terrain had not been formally emphasized during the training period.