On December 1, 1999, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration N38RG) operated by Schuybroek Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Annemasse, France during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck the ground short of the runway due to an insufficient altitude during the approach phase. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine aircraft struck the ground short of the runway during its approach to Annemasse Airport, resulting in significant damage but no injuries.
What happened
During an approach to Annemasse Airport, a twin-engine aircraft experienced a low-altitude impact with the terrain before reaching the runway. The impact occurred short of the landing strip, causing the aircraft to lose its undercarriage upon contact with the ground. The aircraft eventually came to a complete stop at the site of the incident.
There was only one person on board, the pilot, who survived the event without any injuries. While the pilot escaped unharmed, the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Findings
The aircraft was operating at an insufficient altitude during the approach phase.
The primary factor in the accident was that the aircraft was too low on approach.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck the ground short of the runway due to an insufficient altitude during the approach phase.