What happened
On July 5, 2014, a Piper PA 19, registration F-BOOV, was performing circuit training at the Pérouges Meximieux airfield. After completing three take-off and landing cycles, the pilot approached runway 17 for a full stop. During the landing rollout, while traveling at approximately 50 km/h, the aircraft began to veer toward the left.
As the aircraft drifted, the pilot observed a runway edge marker in the immediate path. In an attempt to avoid the obstacle, the pilot applied the left brake. This action caused the aircraft to deviate further left, leading to a runway excursion. The aircraft subsequently performed a nose-over (ground loop) and struck a pylon before coming to rest on its back. The aircraft sustained heavy damage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's experience, the aircraft's mechanical configuration, and the environmental conditions. The pilot, a PPL holder since 2005 with 345 total flight hours, had significant experience on the PA-19 type.
Technical analysis of the Piper PA 19 confirmed it is a tailwheel aircraft where braking is achieved via two independent pedals. The pilot reported that the runway surface was hard, uneven, and bumpy. Meteorological data indicated a temperature of 27 °C and winds from the south at 8 knots, with gusts up to 18 knots.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was inappropriate control inputs involving the brake pedals and imprecise flight control positioning during the landing rollout.
- The pilot's reflexive application of the left brake to avoid a runway marker significantly increased the leftward deviation.
- The uneven and bumpy nature of the unpaved runway surface may have contributed to the initial loss of directional control.