Summary
On 31 October 2011 at 15:25 local time, a Robin DR400-160 aircraft registered as F-GCAM operated by an aéroclub was substantially damaged during a hard landing at Brioude Beaumont aerodrome (43). The pilot was conducting a local flight and reported an inappropriate landing technique led to multiple bounces and eventual nose gear failure.
Flight Details
The pilot departed from the unpaved runway 15 right for a local flight. After approximately 50 minutes, he entered the circuit for the same runway, joining on the downwind leg. Using the windsock, he estimated the wind from the south at 10 to 15 knots. He selected one notch of flaps and turned left onto the base leg. On final approach, he increased his speed by 10 knots to compensate for the wind.
Landing Sequence
Upon passing over the runway threshold, the pilot fully reduced power. He stated he was not certain he had flared. The aircraft touched down on all three landing gear and bounced. The pilot responded by pulling back on the control column, then applying forward pressure. The aircraft bounced again, and the pilot again applied forward pressure. The nose wheel contacted the ground and broke off. The aircraft slid for approximately 50 meters before coming to a stop.
Wind conditions at the time were reported as south wind 5 knots with gusts up to 14 knots.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a Private Pilot License (PPL(A)) obtained in 2008 with approximately 80 hours of flight experience at that time. His total flight time was 119 hours, of which about 100 hours were on the DR400 type. In the three months preceding the accident, he had flown 3 hours, with no flight time in the previous month.
Conclusion
The accident was determined to be caused by an inappropriate landing technique.