What happened
On October 31, 2011, a Robin DR400-160, registration F-GCAM, was performing a local flight departing from the unpaved runway 15 right at the Brioude Beaumont aerodrome. After approximately 50 minutes of flight, the pilot entered the traffic pattern for runway 15 right on a downwind leg. Based on the windsock, the pilot estimated a wind from the south at 10 to 15 knots.
During the approach, the pilot extended one notch of flaps and turned left to the base leg. On final approach, the pilot increased the airspeed by 10 knots to compensate for the wind conditions. As the aircraft passed over the runway threshold, the pilot reduced power to idle. The pilot noted uncertainty regarding whether a proper flare had been executed. The aircraft touched down on all three landing gear components but immediately bounced. In an attempt to correct the aircraft's attitude, the pilot applied nose-down elevator input. A second bounce occurred, followed by another nose-down input. Consequently, the nose gear struck the ground and collapsed. The aircraft slid for approximately 50 meters before coming to a complete stop. At the time of the accident, the wind was recorded as 5 knots from the south with gusts up to 14 knots.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's flight maneuvers and the sequence of the landing. The pilot, who held a PPL(A) obtained in 2008, had a total of 119 flight hours, with approximately 100 hours on this specific aircraft type. The investigation reviewed the aircraft's impact with the ground and the subsequent structural failure of the nose gear.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was inappropriate landing technique.
- The pilot failed to maintain a stable approach, resulting in multiple bounces.
- The application of nose-down elevator inputs following the bounces led to the structural failure of the nose gear upon impact.