What happened
On April 3, 2006, at 17:25, a Reims Aviation F 172N Skyhawk, registration F-GAGV, was performing a multi-leg cross-country flight. After departing from Amboise and making a stop at Romorantin, the pilot proceeded toward Vierzon. Upon arriving at the aerodrome, the pilot performed a reconnaissance of the field and joined the left-hand downwind for runway 22.
During the landing phase, the aircraft touched down on a grassy area approximately ten meters to the left of the runway. As the aircraft taxied, the nose landing gear sank into the saturated soil, causing the aircraft to capsize onto its back. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident; no fatalities were reported among the three occupants.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making and the surface conditions at the aerodrome. It was established that the pilot had misidentified a sandy axial strip as a taxiway, leading to the choice of the grassy landing area. The investigation also noted that the pilot had not reviewed the aerodrome's visual approach chart prior to the flight, which contains specific instructions regarding surface usability.
Meteorological data revealed that the region had experienced significant rainfall, with 105.8 mm recorded in March 2006, much higher than seasonal norms. This heavy precipitation had left the ground highly saturated. Furthermore, the investigation examined the lighting conditions, noting the sun's low position (20° altitude) and the pilot's report of significant glare during the final approach.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was insufficient flight preparation, specifically the pilot's failure to consult the aerodrome's visual approach chart and general operating conditions before the flight.
- The pilot misidentified the sandy axial strip as a taxiway, which led to the landing on the unpaved, soft surface.
- A contributing factor was sun glare, which reduced visibility during the final approach.
- The saturated state of the ground, following heavy seasonal rainfall, caused the nose gear to sink upon contact with the grass.