What happened
On May 12, 2006, at 15:15, a Reims Aviation F 152, registration F-GDIE, was performing training circuits at Le Plessis-Belleville aerodrome. During the first approach, the aircraft fell below the intended glide path. The instructor attempted a go-around; however, the aircraft collided with a semi-trailer traveling north on the RN 330 road.
Following the impact, the instructor performed an enlarged circuit and contacted a ground pilot to assess the damage. The ground pilot confirmed that the right main landing gear was bent, with the wheel positioned horizontally. The instructor then conducted another circuit to prepare for a precautionary landing. During the flare, the instructor performed several emergency procedures, including unlocking a door and cutting the fuel and electrical supplies. The aircraft eventually came to a stop on the unpaved runway at a 90-degree angle to the runway axis.
The investigation
The investigation examined the actions of both crew members and the driver of the truck. The instructor stated he was providing verbal guidance to the student, which diverted his attention from external scanning to monitoring flight parameters. The student pilot reported seeing the truck during the final approach but did not perceive it as an obstacle, as his focus was on the instruments. The truck driver noted seeing the aircraft at a low altitude and had slowed to a near-stop when the impact occurred.
Investigators also reviewed the airfield's infrastructure. At the time of the accident, only a single road sign indicating the danger of aircraft presence was located on the RN 330, north of the runway.
Findings
- The primary cause of the collision was the instructor's delayed reaction due to a lack of external scanning while focused on monitoring flight instruments.
- The student pilot failed to recognize the truck as a potential hazard due to his concentration on cockpit instrumentation.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the right main landing gear and the airframe, while the truck's trailer sustained damage to its upper section.