What happened
On May 3, 2006, a Piper PA 28-161 (registration F-GGFY) was conducting a multi-leg flight as part of a two-day trip. After departing from Condom, the crew flew toward Alençon aerodrome for a scheduled lunch stop. During the approach, the aircraft passed through a zone of rain showers. The pilot entered the landing circuit at approximately 1,500 feet, maintaining an approach speed between 70 and 75 knots with full flaps.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced a long float before the landing gear made contact with the runway. During the subsequent landing roll, the pilot noted that the aircraft appeared to maintain high speed despite braking efforts. As the aircraft approached the end of the runway, the pilot observed houses and a road ahead and attempted to steer the aircraft off the paved surface to the left. The aircraft exited the runway onto an unpaved area, where the nose gear became stuck in a furrow bordering a field, resulting in the destruction of the engine mount.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making and the environmental factors present during the landing. The pilot, who was flying at an unfamiliar aerodrome, noted that the recent rain showers made it difficult to assess the level of moisture on the runway surface. Additionally, the pilot's familiarity with larger runways, which typically do not require aggressive braking, was examined alongside the aircraft's performance capabilities.
Findings
- The pilot did not sufficiently account for the aircraft's performance capabilities under the prevailing conditions.
- The pilot applied inappropriate braking actions during the landing roll.
- The pilot's unfamiliarity with the AlenCOn aerodrome environment and the recent rain showers contributed to an incorrect perception of the aircraft's speed and the effectiveness of the brakes.