What happened
On July 11, 2004, a privately operated Pottier P 230 S (registration F-PBRL) was conducting a flight from Mâcon Charnay to Le Castellet. Upon arrival, the pilot was informed by AFIS of significant wind conditions, with winds from 320° varying between 20 and 30 knots.
During the final approach to runway 31, the aircraft encountered severe turbulence. Witnesses observed the right wing lifting at approximately 200 feet, causing the aircraft to drift left before correcting back toward the runway centerline. As the main landing gear made contact with the ground, the right wing lifted again, and the engine power increased. The aircraft subsequently veered off the left side of the runway, became airborne, and collided with pine trees located approximately 90 meters from the runway axis.
Investigation of the runway surface revealed two distinct contact marks from the left wing, located near the left edge of the runway. Evidence from the propeller impact on the first tree struck indicated that the engine was producing power at the moment of collision. The accident resulted in one serious injury to the pilot and one minor injury to the passenger, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight sequence and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators examined the runway markings, which showed the left wing had struck the ground twice during the aborted landing. The investigation also reviewed the meteorological data, noting a strong Mistral wind was active in the region. Furthermore, the investigation assessed the pilot's familiarity with the aerodrome, noting this was his first visit to Le Castellet, though he had studied the visual approach charts and was aware of specific instructions regarding potential vortices during north-westerly winds.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's decision to execute a go-around under degraded weather conditions.
- A late decision to abort the landing contributed to the loss of directional control.
- The presence of high winds (310° at 15 to 22 knots, with gusts up to 35 knots) and heavy turbulence created unstable approach conditions.
- The pilot demonstrated a persistence in attempting to reach the landing objective despite the deteriorating circumstances.