What happened
On the afternoon of Friday, April 16, 2000, an amateur-built Occitan Club aircraft, registered F-POCC, was conducting a flight near the Figeac aerodrome. After approximately forty-five minutes of flight, the pilot initiated an approach to runway 11 with the intention of performing a low-altitude pass rather than a landing.
As the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 100 feet, the pilot attempted a go-around. During the application of power, the engine began to misfire. Despite a second attempt to increase throttle, the engine failed to regain its operating RPM. Having already passed the end of the runway, the pilot opted to perform an emergency landing in a field located approximately 300 meters from the threshold of runway 29. During the touchdown, the nose gear leg was torn from the airframe. The aircraft slid for about 50 meters before coming to a complete stop. The aircraft sustained heavy damage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the engine's performance during the go-around maneuver and the mechanical configuration of the powerplant. Investigators noted that the aircraft was equipped with an 80-horsepower Limbach engine. Crucially, the engine was not equipped with a carburetor heat system. Meteorological data from the site indicated a temperature of 15°C and a dew point of 9°C, with winds at 10 knots and gusts up to 21 knots.
Findings
- The engine experienced a loss of power during the critical go-around phase.
- The pilot had conducted the final approach at a low power setting, approximately 1500 RPM.
- The primary cause of the engine failure was carburetor icing.