What happened
On July 8, 2011, a Piper PA 28, registered F-GIBX, was conducting a solo navigation flight as part of a Private Pilot License (PPL) training program. The flight originated from Le Puy and was returning to the Pérouges Meximieux aerodrome. Upon arrival, the pilot joined the traffic pattern and approached runway 35, an unpaved strip. During the final approach, the pilot configured the aircraft with full flaps at a speed of 65 knots.
An eyewitness noted that the aircraft appeared high on the approach path. The aircraft touched down approximately 280 meters past the offset runway threshold. Shortly after touchdown, the aircraft performed a 180-degree turn while skidding, leading to an excursion from the runway surface. During this maneuver, the left wing struck a windsock mast, causing heavy damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making process and the aircraft's landing performance. The pilot stated that he had initiated a go-around upon landing but abruptly aborted the maneuver due to fears of colliding with obstacles located along the runway centerline. To stop the aircraft, the pilot applied heavy braking and intentionally steered the aircraft off the runway using the right rudder.
Investigators analyzed the runway dimensions and landing performance. The usable landing distance for runway 35 was 570 meters. Given the touchdown point, the pilot had approximately 290 meters of runway remaining. Based on the aircraft's manual, which provides landing distances ranging from 200 to 340 meters depending on weight and temperature, the theoretical required distance for that day was calculated at 240 meters. At the time of the accident, the pilot had 110 total flight hours, with 30 hours flown solo.
Findings
- The accident was caused by the pilot's late decision to initiate a go-around following an unstabilized approach.
- The subsequent decision to abort the go-around and intentionally exit the runway to avoid obstacles proved to be inappropriate.