What happened
On September 20, 2006, a Robin DR 400 - 140, registration F-GLKZ, was performing a local flight at Lognes Aerodrome. After a flight duration of approximately 80 minutes, the pilot was cleared to land on the paved runway 08. The pilot approached the runway with full flaps at a speed of 120 km/h. Immediately after the three wheels made contact with the ground, near the first quarter of the runway, the pilot applied the brakes.
During the braking phase, the aircraft experienced a significant rightward veer, causing it to exit the paved runway. The aircraft crossed a taxiway and entered the adjacent unpaved runway 08. Following this excursion, the pilot performed an unplanned takeoff from the unpaved surface. After completing a circuit, the pilot returned to land on the unpaved runway. The air traffic controller noted that the aircraft's approach speed appeared high and observed the heavy rightward drift upon touchdown, while also noting the subsequent takeoff speed was low.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's handling of the aircraft and the mechanical state of the landing gear. The pilot was unable to provide specific details regarding the precise control inputs used during the final approach and landing phase. Analysis of the aircraft's braking system, shock absorbers, and nose gear locking mechanism revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies.
Review of the pilot's experience showed that while the pilot had held a PPL(A) since 198Т, they had accumulated only 236 total flight hours, with only 85 hours on this specific type and very limited recent experience on the aircraft. The passenger on board was also participating in their first flight in a light aircraft.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the insufficient mastery of braking and landing techniques during a crosswind landing.
- Environmental conditions at the time included a 13-knot wind from 150 degrees.
- The pilot's resources were insufficient to manage the flight dynamics during the landing phase.
- The pilot performed the unplanned takeoff without properly configuring the aircraft for departure.