History of the Flight
On 6 August 2024, a Mooney M20J (registration F-HGPR) was on a cross-country flight from Biarritz to La Rochelle, piloted by a 62-year-old private pilot with about 600 flight hours. The pilot, accompanied by one passenger, took off from Biarritz runway 27 at around 12:35 and flew along the coast at 1,500 ft. After entering the La Rochelle control zone, the pilot was cleared to land on runway 27. During final approach, the pilot observed four red lights on the PAPI, indicating a path below the 3.2° glide slope, yet continued the descent. The aircraft touched down approximately 50 m before the displaced threshold and bounced. On the second touchdown, the aircraft deviated left. Concerned about a runway excursion, the pilot initiated a go-around. However, the aircraft veered off the runway on a near-perpendicular path, passing within 30 m of the ILS glide antenna and windsock. The aircraft then climbed with a left bank, passing low over the commercial parking area. The controller offered assistance, which the pilot declined, and after a figure-of-eight pattern, the pilot landed on runway 27 without further incident. No injuries or damage were reported.
Additional Information
Pilot Information
The pilot held a private pilot license issued in 2010, with an SEP rating revalidated in April 2024. He had approximately 600 flight hours, including 5 hours 30 minutes in the last 30 days. He owned F-HGPR since 2021 and had logged about 100 hours on this aircraft. This was his first landing at La Rochelle, though he had experience with long runways. The pilot stated that following the S-shaped ring road on the approach chart may have led to being below the glide slope. He increased power after seeing four red PAPI lights but did not explain why he continued the approach. He reported no issues with weather or traffic.
Aerodrome Information
La Rochelle – Île de Ré airport has a paved runway 27 (2,213 m long, 45 m wide, landing distance available 1,746 m). The visual approach chart specifies that for landing on runway 27, pilots must "Make final turn to intercept and follow ring road to RWY centre-line. PAPI is mandatory." The PAPI for runway 27 is calibrated for a 3.2° slope.
Meteorological Information
The METAR at 14:00 reported wind from 230° at 7 kt (varying 180° to 280°), visibility exceeding 10 km, few clouds at 3,400 ft, and temperature 26°C. The controller advised the pilot of a 7 kt wind from 230°.
Conclusions
The investigation concluded that the pilot continued the approach despite knowing he was below the published glide slope. The resulting bounce led to a loss of control, with the aircraft veering left. The go-around was initiated, but the engine effects and left crosswind may have exacerbated the loss of control, causing the aircraft to exit the runway. The aircraft passed close to obstacles before the pilot managed to take off and return for a normal landing.