What happened
On Saturday, May 30, 1998, at approximately 11:00 local time, a Piper PA-38 - 112 Tomahawk, registration F-GMEG, was performing a solo training flight at the Toussus-le-Noble aerodrome. The flight, conducted by a student pilot with 49 total flight hours, was nearing completion after an hour of local maneuvering.
During the approach to runway 07, the pilot maintained a speed of approximately 70 knots with the first notch of flaps extended. Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced a hard impact, causing it to bounce. During the subsequent touchdown, the nose gear collapsed. The aircraft then slid approximately 40 meters along the paved runway before coming to a complete stop. The aircraft sustained heavy damage as a result of the impact.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight parameters and the pilot's configuration of the aircraft prior to landing. The investigation established that during the base leg of the approach, while flying at approximately 85 knots with the first notch of flaps, the pilot adjusted the pitch trim. However, the pilot did not fine-tune or readjust this trim setting during the subsequent transition to the final approach.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was insufficient pitch control during the landing phase.
- The pilot failed to adjust the elevator trim following a configuration change during the approach, leading to an unstable touchdown.