What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-07-14 involved a Piper PA 20, registration G-BUOI, at FR.

Landing Gear Failure on Piper PA20 During Crosswind Landing at Auxerre Branches (G-BUOI)

On July 14, 2014, a Piper PA 20 (registration G-BUOI) was involved in an aviation accident near FR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An inappropriate use of differential braking and an insufficient consideration of the effects of the wind contributed to the loss of directional control during the landing roll. This summary draws on records from the French Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses (BEA).

The right main landing gear of a Piper PA20 (G-BUOI) failed during the landing roll in crosswind conditions at Auxerre Branches aerodrome. The pilot reported a three-point landing and subsequent directional control issues.

Accident Overview

On 14 July 2014 at approximately 17:10 local time, a privately operated Piper PA20 aircraft, registered G-BUOI, experienced a failure of the right main landing gear during the landing roll at Auxerre Branches aerodrome (Yonne, France). The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The pilot and one passenger were on board. The flight had originated from Meaux-Esbly aerodrome (Seine-et-Marne).

Flight Sequence

The pilot, who was also the owner of the aircraft, departed from Meaux-Esbly for a travel flight to Auxerre Branches. Upon arrival, as there was no AFIS (Aerodrome Flight Information Service), he performed a visual check of the signals area. He assessed the wind as 220° at 10 kt and joined the traffic pattern for runway 19 (QFU 186). The aircraft was configured for landing with an approach speed of approximately 65 kt and a right drift correction. The pilot stated he performed a three-point landing.

During the landing roll, the aircraft deviated to the left of the runway centerline. The pilot applied a first correction, but the aircraft then veered to the right. In addition to rudder inputs, the pilot applied differential braking to regain the centerline. Subsequently, the right main landing gear failed, causing the right wing and propeller to strike the ground. The aircraft then ground-looped to the left and came to rest on the runway.

Pilot Information

The 55-year-old pilot had a total of 460 flight hours, including about 190 hours on tailwheel aircraft and 39 hours on the type. In the three months preceding the accident, he had flown 10 hours and performed 13 landings, with 3 hours and 6 landings in the last 30 days. The pilot noted that this was his first landing at Auxerre Branches in crosswind conditions.

Aircraft Information

The Piper PA20 (serial number not specified) was registered G-BUIO (note: registration in report is G-BUOI, but body of report states G-BUIO – using as given in source). The aircraft was equipped with a conventional tailwheel landing gear, with the tailwheel linked to the rudder pedals. The pilot had owned the aircraft since July 2013.

Meteorological Conditions

Before the flight, the pilot consulted weather observations indicating a southwesterly wind of about 5 to 10 kt, which he considered acceptable. According to Météo France, at the time of the event the wind was from 250° at 5 kt with gusts between 7 and 9 kt.

Damage

The aircraft was heavily damaged.

Probable cause

An inappropriate use of differential braking and an insufficient consideration of the effects of the wind contributed to the loss of directional control during the landing roll.

2014-07-14: Piper PA 20 (G-BUOI) — FR