What happened
On May 11, 2006, at 16:10, a Robin DR 40 and 120 (registration F-HCOV) was performing a solo navigation flight. After departing from Carpentras and visiting Alès, the trainee pilot returned to Carpentras, entering the airfield on a downwind leg. During the final approach, the pilot deployed the second stage of flaps and maintained a speed of 130 km/h.
Upon touchdown, the pilot failed to apply sufficient rudder corrections. The aircraft began to veer sharply to the left, causing the pilot to lose directional control. The aircraft exited the paved runway and entered an adjacent unpaved strip. In an attempt to avoid a glider towing vehicle, the pilot applied right rudder, but the aircraft ultimately struck a stationary glider and a person located approximately 30 meters from the edge of the paved runway. The impact with the glider's left wing tip resulted in one injury to a third party and significant damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's approach speed and environmental awareness. It was noted that the pilot had not checked the windsock upon arrival and had incorrectly assumed calm conditions. Furthermore, the pilot's approach speed of 130 km/h significantly exceeded the recommended manual speed of 107 km/h for the aircraft's weight and flap configuration. The investigation also examined the pilot's experience level, noting this was only his third solo navigation flight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was insufficient mastery of landing techniques.
- The pilot approached the runway with excessive speed that was not bled off during the flare.
- A lack of rudder input during the landing roll allowed the aircraft to deviate from the runway centerline.
- Inaccurate assessment of wind conditions contributed to the loss of control.