What happened
On September 1, 2013, a Cessna 185, registration F-BVJU, was performing aerial work at the Le Havre-Octeville aerodrome. After completing the ninth parachute jump of the day, the pilot approached runway 04. Air traffic control had reported a wind of 320 degrees at 10 knots.
The pilot executed a standard landing in full flaps configuration, utilizing a two-point touchdown on the main gear with the tailwheel lifted. As the aircraft decelerated, the pilot maintained the controls into the wind. However, as the tail began to descend, the aircraft suddenly veered to the left and the rear of the plane lifted. Despite the pilot's attempts to use the rudder and elevator, the controls proved ineffective. The left wing lifted, causing the right wingtip to strike the ground, which resulted in the aircraft flipping onto its back. The aircraft sustained heavy damage.
The investigation
The investigation examined witness accounts and meteorological data. An observer at the runway holding point noted that the approach and landing appeared stable until the deceleration phase, at which point the aircraft's wing and tail lifted. The pilot's passenger noted that the windsock indicated unstable wind conditions, oscillating between a pure crosswind and a slightly tailwind component.
Meteorological records from the METAR indicated a wind of 330 degrees at 8 knots, with directions varying between 290 and 350 degrees. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting they held a professional pilot license and instructor rating, with approximately 850 total flight hours.