What happened
On Saturday, December 5, 1998, at 15:10, a Robin DR 400-120, registration F-GJQX, was performing a local flight at Nantes aerodrome (AD Nantes) on runway 03. The aircraft was operating in a tailwind configuration. During the approach, the air traffic controller informed the pilot that the aircraft was number two in the sequence, following an Airbus A3/20.
Despite the controller providing two specific warnings regarding the need to be cautious of wake turbulence, the pilot experienced a sudden loss of control during the final approach phase. The aircraft abruptly lost altitude, causing the pilot's head to strike the canopy. Following the encounter, the pilot notified the controller that the aircraft had been caught in turbulence. Fearing a secondary encounter with the wake from the preceding Airbus, the controller instructed the pilot to execute a go-around. The aircraft sustained slight damage during the event.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of control and the separation between the two aircraft. Investigators examined the meteorological conditions, which included a wind of 280 degrees at 09 knots and visibility exceeding 10 km. The investigation also reviewed the responsibilities of the pilot under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) regarding wake turbulence avoidance.