What happened
On May 13, 2002, a SOCATA TBM 700, registration N700AR, was performing an aerial photography mission returning from a flight north of Clermont-Ferrand. The pilot initiated a semi-direct approach to runway 08 at the Moulins-Montbeugny aerodrome. During the final approach, the aircraft was configured with landing gear extended and full flaps, maintaining a speed of approximately 85 knots.
As the aircraft approached the flare, the pilot perceived that the aircraft would land short of the runway. In response, the pilot applied back pressure on the controls and slightly increased engine power. However, the resulting pitch-up attitude became excessive, prompting the pilot to execute a go-around. During this maneuver, the aircraft banked to the left, causing the left wingtip to strike the runway threshold markings. The aircraft subsequently veered off the left side of the runway and struck the ground with significant force. The impact caused the failure and loss of the left main landing gear and the nose gear, while the right main gear retracted into the right wing. The aircraft slid on its belly along the ultralight runway, coming to a stop 95 meters beyond the runway edge.
Following the impact, a fire broke out on the left side of the aircraft near the wing root. The pilot and photographer evacuated the cabin through the developing flames. Although ground personnel attempted initial fire suppression, the fire was not fully contained until emergency services arrived approximately 15 minutes later.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's flight maneuvers during the final approach and the subsequent loss of control. Investigators examined the engine power settings used during the approach, specifically whether the engine was at idle or maintaining at least 10% torque as recommended by the manufacturer. It was noted that if power is reduced to zero, a delay of approximately five seconds is required to regain full power.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage and was destroyed.
- There were no fatalities among the two occupants.
- The primary cause of the accident was a late correction of the flight path during the final approach.
- The pilot's attempt to compensate for a perceived short landing through aggressive pitch and power adjustments led to an unstable flight state and a left-wing strike.