What happened
On April 27, 2010, at 15:45, a collision course between two aircraft at Bernay Aerodrome led to the loss of control of a Campana ULM (identified as 27-JR). The microlight pilot was performing a local flight on an unpaved runway. While flying the left-hand downwind leg for runway 10, the pilot observed a Robin DR 400-160 (registration F-GAHY) departing runway 28 and turning right. The pilot noted that no radio contact had been made on the self-announcement frequency.
As the 27-JR pilot approached the threshold for landing, the F-GAHY aircraft appeared directly in front of them, on final approach for runway 2eler. After announcing the intention to land, the pilot of the microlight lost control of the aircraft during the flare, resulting in a hard impact with the runway. The aircraft came to a stop within the first third of the runway. The crew of the F-GAHY reported seeing the microlight stationary at the opposite threshold upon their landing, noting they had not heard any prior radio transmissions.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the lack of communication between the two aircraft and the operational environment at Bernay Aerodrome. Investigators examined the flight preparations of the F-GAHY crew, noting that the pilot had diverted to Bernay for training purposes without formally including the destination in the initial flight preparation.
Furthermore, the investigation looked into the aeronautical information available to the crew. It was determined that the pilot of the F-GAHY was using outdated documentation. While a new radio frequency had been assigned to the aerodrome, the pilot was still using the previous frequency. The investigation also noted that the pilot was unaware that updated visual landing charts were available for free via the Aeronautical Information Service website.
Findings
- Late detection of the F-GAHY aircraft due to a lack of radio contact.
- Insufficient external scanning by the crew of the F-GAHY.
- The use of outdated aeronautical documentation by the pilot of the F-GAHY, which led to the use of an incorrect radio frequency.