Incident Overview
On Friday, August 31, 2012, at 16:20 local time, a Robin DR 400-160 with registration F-GYKH was involved in an accident at the Pau-Pyrénées aerodrome (64). The aircraft, operated by a club, departed from Nogaro (32) for Pau. During the approach to runway 31, the pilot configured the aircraft for landing at a speed of 135 km/h. Upon crossing the threshold, the pilot reported feeling wind gusts and described the touchdown as firm, noting that the aircraft bounced.
Sequence of Events
During the landing roll, after traveling approximately one hundred meters, the aircraft's trajectory abruptly deviated to the right. The pilot stated that rudder inputs failed to restore directional control. The aircraft exited the runway laterally and traveled about fifteen meters through the grass before the nose gear broke. The aircraft then tipped onto its tail (pilonned) but eventually came to rest on its wheels. Skid marks on the runway and shoulders, oriented at magnetic heading 020°, indicated a slight rightward skid.
Investigation Findings
An examination of the aircraft revealed no flight control malfunctions that could explain the loss of directional control. The pilot noted that the center of gravity was aft but within manufacturer limits. A rear passenger, who was also a pilot and maintenance lead for the club, observed some turbulence during final approach and slight yawing during the initial part of the roll. The pilot held a private pilot license obtained in February 2012, with a total of 55 flight hours, including 15 on type. Meteorological conditions included wind from 340° at 9 kt, visibility of 9,999 m, and a QNH of 1028 hPa.