What happened
On 16 February 2023, a Socata Rallye 180, registration F-BVZU, was performing a ferry flight from Pau-Pyrénées to its home base at Bagnères-de-Luchon. Following maintenance delays at the departure airfield, the pilot took off shortly before sunset, intending to reach the destination before the onset of aeronautical night.
During the flight, the pilot encountered deteriorating light conditions. Due to an ongoing air traffic controllers' strike at Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées, a diversion to that airport was deemed unfeasible. The pilot attempted to divert to Saint-Gaudens-Montréjeau; however, because that aerodrome lacked night lighting, the pilot was unable to identify the runway from the air. Consequently, the pilot decided to proceed to Bagnères-de-Luchon.
As the pilot approached runway 19, they utilized town lights to align with the airfield. During this straight-in approach, the aircraft's right wing and landing gear struck trees located near the runway threshold. The pilot executed a go-around and subsequently performed a low-altitude left-hand circuit, eventually landing on the grass runway.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's flight planning, the impact of accumulated delays, and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. Investigators analyzed radar data, radio communications, and the aircraft's flight path. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's decision-making process regarding the lack of a viable diversion alternative and the risks associated with approaching an airfield in a valley during twilight hours.
Findings
- The pilot initiated the flight with an incomplete flight preparation that did not include a safe landing alternative in the event of delays.
- A strong desire to complete the ferry mission influenced the decision to continue the flight despite the approaching aeronautical night.
- The pilot misinterpreted the accessibility of a suitable diversion aerodrome due to the strike action and the lack of lighting at alternative sites.
- The approach was conducted at a time when light levels in the mountainous valley were significantly lower than in flat terrain, and the airfield was not equipped for night operations.