What happened
On October 11, 2003, a Robin HR 20-120 B, registration F-GNNH, was involved in a landing accident at the Saint-Cyr-l’Ecole aerodrome. The aircraft, operated by a flying club, was being flown solo by a trainee pilot during his second solo navigation flight.
Prior to departure, during engine tests, the pilot noted that the oil pressure indicator was slightly below the green zone. Because the pre-flight inspection had revealed no other abnormalities, the pilot decided to perform a circuit around the airfield and return to the club to consult with his instructor regarding whether to proceed with the planned navigation.
During the final approach, the pilot felt the aircraft sink and adjusted the power. The aircraft touched down at the end of the runway with all three wheels making contact simultaneously. The aircraft then bounced three times before coming to rest in a nose-down position, which caused the nose gear to break. The propeller and nose landing gear sustained damage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's configuration of the aircraft and his mental state during the flight. It was noted that the flaps were found in the takeoff position, although the pilot believed he had set them to the landing position. Additionally, the pilot noted that he felt his airspeed might have been slightly high, though he had not checked the airspeed indicator.
The investigation also examined the runway surface, noting that the area of runway 12 left preceding the threshold is significantly curved and concave, sloping upward at the point where the pilot chose to land. The pilot was reportedly aware of this runway characteristic from previous landings.
Findings
- The pilot's attention was diverted by monitoring the oil pressure indicator and contemplating the decision regarding his upcoming navigation.
- Incomplete checklists were performed prior to landing, specifically regarding flap configuration.
- The pilot decided to proceed with the flight despite a doubtful engine parameter (low oil pressure).
- The pilot failed to monitor his airspeed during the final approach.